Yeah, TOTALLY man, if the boot is ripped, then water got inside it and the grease that came in it, came out. So there is no lubrication in the ball joint. It'll definately make noise for sure then man.

As for replacement, it'll be the whole upper control arm you'll need to replace. JUST the ball joint isn't service-able. It's not too hard, the only hard part is taking out the bolts where with arm mounts. You'll have to lower or remove the strut/spring assembly, and pop the upper ball joint nut loose, then beat the knuckle where the ball joint goes through. Leave the nut on it loosely though, so the knuckle doesn't fall and hit ya or rip the abs wire. Then from there it's a matter of fishing you're hands behind the fuse box to the one nut, and under/behind the cowl area to get to the other nut.

It seems like a pain, but once you get going, it'll go smoothly

Car Quest usually stocks the parts

Oh ok ok, the driver's side, well that blows the whole fuse box thing out LoL It's not that bad man, It looks like a bitch to do, but it's pretty easy