Bilstein shock boots

[broncofiresmith]

I recently installed a set of Bilstein shock 5100 series to my stock Bronco. The rubber boots are not folding nicely since they are mounted like when they are extended before mounting. I assume this is due to the compression of the boots. Is this normal? I haven't taken it for a test ride yet so I'm not sure how the ride will be but since the old original ones where shot I'm guessing it should be a great improvement.

 

[bronconut73]

It will be a super improvement.

Did you use zip ties on the boots?
I have to to keep my boots on My RS9's

 

[STalon89]

Mine are the same. Also curious on the solution.

 

[Slowleak]

Mine fold up like they should. I installed the shocks and boots on the Bronco. Got the boots looking nice and tidy, and then compressed the boot about an inch before I installed the zip ties.

 

[broncofiresmith]

It will be a super improvement.

Did you use zip ties on the boots?
I have to to keep my boots on My RS9's

The boots were already installed with zip ties. I think it may help if I cut the ties off straighten and put new ties on.

 

[Rustytruck]

Is there a vent hole in the bottom of the boots. Something has to let air in and out of the boots as the compress and extend if you need to have the boots look pretty.

 

[75Denver]

Funny you bring up the un-even folds of the boots bc I just recently saw two Broncos with the Bilsteins and they looked like s*%t. I'm really hoping mine will fold properly once installed. I'll report back

 

[SHX669]

The boots on my bilstiens came zip tied and had the TIGHEST zip ties I've ever seen - wow - and the boot material is top quality.
I squirted some silicone lube on the shock body were they met the boots and then was able to take the fold out and straighten them up - but without the lube not much luck.

 

[75MIKE]

I had to cut the factory zip ties as well. Slid the boots farther up the body of the shock and re-zipped. Look nice now.

 

[JefeAZ]

Same problem on mine, boots were all mangled. Cut the ties off and went through 5 chinese zip ties before buying a quality USA set that didnt snap in half. Probably solved!

 

[broncofiresmith]

Thanks for the replies. I will cut the ties off and straighten.

 

[OKLA70]

You can always take them off. It’s a clean look. Plus, if debri gets in the boot, it more than likely won’t come out be itself.