replace the upper and lower joints. forget about destroying the upper boot because if the lower joints are gone the uppers are not far behind. do you want to do this all over again in 6 months? check out the thread "things i should of done"
For a couple bucks you can replace both and have no worries.

 

Thanks for the last couple of replies but if you read a couple of posts back, I got the job done. Thanks for the tips tho.

 

the best way i found to remove the front axle is this-

remove the 32mm nut.

jack it up, remove the wheel

leave EVERYTHING attached!

put two, 9 inch extensions, an elbow and the socket together.

put it through the space between the upper a-arm and remove the first bolt.

if you have an air gun spin the wheel bearing around until the next bolt comes into view and remove

if you do not have an air gun then spin the bearing and get someone to hold the brake until you remove it.

once all the bolts are out. then reach in and pull the back of the axle toward you (might take a slight tap from a hammer).

let the back of the axle drop to the ground (carefully). then reach in and pull the front of the axle backwards and out of the bearing.

that stuff they tell you about removing the shock, brakes and rotor is just for the dealers to make more money.

oh buy the way, as all the books say "replacement is the opposite of removal" like that helps!

 

What is the steering knuckle

 

The part that holds the wheel, brakes to the upper and lower control arms. It's what turns when you turn the steering wheel.