Originally posted by richs:
How will I know if the inner CV joint (tripod) has come out of its housing with out taking it apart?



That is the tough part, Terry Haines suggested you tie the inner joint together (with cable ties) as a precaution when you do struts, for this reason. Be carefull in trying to get the joint back in. I pinched the boot unknowingly and had to do a boot a week after I did struts. One of the rollers/bearings fell off inside the boot on me. The only way to fix it then was to take off the boot clamp, so I could get the roller back on the tripod.
I would get the strut out of my way and feel the joint as you push and pull on the shaft near the inner boot. It should have about two inchs of travel.