Has anyone ever successfully patched one of these? The labor to change one is $$$.

 

Thor,
If you can jack the quad up, you can change the CV boots yourself...now, I'm not gonna say it's easy, but it's not complex...the only problem is you have to disassemble the front hub... but that isn't all that bad. Make sure you have a good sized set of sockets for the hub nut(?), and when you have to pull the spindle off, be sure and don't mess up the inner seal (like I did).
If you be careful, you might can use the old wraps, but I advise to go ahead and buy new ones just in case you have to cut the old ones off...they seem to know if you have a spare or not. Also, be sure to pack it with grease before you finish.
Two extra tips...you don't have to have a CV boot plier. I bought one and it doesn't work near as well as a pair of small Channel-locks...secondly, if the lower portion of the A-arm won't come off easily, just take the two out of the upper portion...it's a little more to keep out of the way, but you can get on with the job at hand instead of cussing the lower bolt.
Todd "BIG DADDY" Irvin