Toyota Repair: CV Joint Replacement, cv joint replacement, rh drive


Question
I own a right hand drive(N.Ireland)Toyota Camry (3litre V6 Auto)1994 Estate with 67000 mls on the clock. This car was built in the USA but obviously converted to RH drive for export to the UK. The car is in great condition but I missed noticing split outer CV joint boots on both sides until I heard that dreaded clicking on hard right turns. Even though I cleaned and re-packed each joint and used new split boots, whilst reducing the clicking noise, it has not fully eliminated the problem.
I have decided to replace each outer CV joint and both inner and outer boots. I don't know which is in worst condition but have decided to start with the LHS since the clicking is more pronounced when turning right. I have an Haynes Manual for assistance and it implies that one may be better replacing the complete driveshaft assembly which may be purchased as an exchange unit.
I have priced each outer CV joint('Blueprint'- Japanese) at about £60($100) from an independant supplier, although the main Toyota dealer wants £260($460)for a CV joint with the inner and outer boot repair kit priced at £63($112). They claim not to do an exchange on driveshafts but will sell me a complete LH driveshaft assembly for £530($930).
The obvious solution here,based on financial considerations, is to go with the 'Blueprint' CV joint, but given the CV joint price differences, do you think that there can be some major quality issue with this joint vs the manufacturers joint?
Whilst this car is commonly seen on the road in the USA, they did not take off in the UK, and it is the only model of its type that I have seen on the road in N.Ireland. I think that this is the only reason for the extraordinarily high prices quoted by the dealer for these parts.
If you think that I might be better to use a Toyota part do you know where I could order one from, and also a boot repair kit? I can easily leave this car out of action for a few weeks.
What are your thoughts on this?
PS. I am fairly well geared up for this job at home with a 'two post' lift, hydraulic press and all the usual tools, but if you know of any other specific articles related to performing this CV replacement on this particular vehicle then I would be grateful for the information.
Regards,
Ken

Answer
Have you priced a complete cv drive axle from an independent aftermarket source, I would recommend doing that instead of just replacing the outer cv joints and boots, the aftermarket parts work just as well as the parts from toyota, we normally replace the complete axle assembly, it saves time and labor costs, we use an aftermarket source with good results, normal price for a complete axle is about $180 in the US, it may be a good idea to check this out.
If there is no other choice replace the outer joints with new boots, at $100 it sounds like a reasonable cost, it's just more work to get the old cv joint off and they can be extremely difficult at times.