...I have been using red Amsoil synthetic grease (marked lithium type) to see if the boots might last longer than when I was using general purpose black lithium based grease. After two years and 8,000 miles, these new boots are still like new.
Don wrote the above earlier and I think he is onto something. I apoligize because my post was mis-leading in that I implied that the two pictures above are of two different tie rod ends but are actually two pictures of the same end. As it turns out, I may have conducted a study without knowing it because I went and looked at the other tie rod that has been installed onto the rack but never attached to the swing arm and therefore not greased either. Without any grease in the boot, that tie rod end is still in perfect condition. Why a traditional grease that I have been using for years on all my American cars has deteriorated this rubber boot and is a short period of time (less than a year) is beyond me. But, it does seem to support Don's theory of using synthetic grease.
I am now going to try and find an aftermarket boot to save this tie rod end purchased from TRF and start buying synthetic grease for all my projects. Hope my mistake will help others.
Could there be a down fall to mixing synthetic grease with non synthetic? I don't want to do another study on my American car.