The lift does pull on the boots a little. Mine are just old, 103,000 miles. The boots I replaced on the other side are fine. The rubber just gets brittle.On another note my wife has a 30 hour layover in Reno. I might fly up there. If I do I"ll give you a call. I still have your cell# unless it's changed. p.s. Some people use these Green Monsters ???? they are extra strong and longer boots so the don't get pulled on.