It is not uncommon for a boot to tear right after a lift.
They have been working at a given angle for years, and the lift
flexes them in a whole new direction...it happened to me and many others.

After lifting ( and without a diff drop) I replaced my torn boot with a Dorman (O'Riellys) brand boot and have had no problems.

#614-001 = outer boot

#614-002 = inner boot

The diff drop certainly helps with angle, but gives a corresponding drop in ground clearance.

So its a trade off!

PS..I see you are in TJ..Hi from San Diego!

jo