I did it in a 95 impreza 2.2 using the ball joint method. It took about 2 hours total including cleanup and beers to do both sides. It just seems easier to do it this way.
A good rule of thumb though, if the boot is ripped, you might as well replace the whole thing. Chances are that something got in such as dirt and/or grease got out. Plus I only paid 60 dollars for each axle at that price you really can't go wrong.
Good Luck
-Chris