Would silicone lubricant help as well? I have read this somewhere.

Agree, pull and store

Changed the boots on my 95 Rinker (bought new) for the first time in August 2016 (21 years) , and it still looked good, no cranks. I'm also in fresh water

Just pulled my drives- port gimble bearing had grease leaking down on bellows and a bit black/spongy as BUP described- didn't think much of it ...until I read this thread..so thanks for that BUP. Stbd seems ok for now.
I have MR alphas with clamp on each side of bellows...looks like '01 since done...anyway is it easiest to put the transom/engine side on first?
Then new upper water hose, then bell assembly with new shift bellows...pushing bell into aft side of bellows...been awhile since I did one!
I don't recall that it was a lot of fun...

thanks...
Lane