You guys do realize that ball joints and CV joints (and corresponding boots) are completely separate items right? Ball joints are suspension components, CV joints are driveline components.

A ball joint does not have to have a ripped boot to go bad. I've only had to replace one upper ball joint on my 99 sedan, the boot was intact but there was excessive play in the joint itself (easily diagnosed by jacking up the car and trying to wobble the wheel back and forth and up and down).

The CV joint usually goes bad following a tear or crack in the CV boot, allowing the grease to escape and allowing debris into the joint, causing wear and failure.