Shock Boots

[Jeff10]

Hey Everyone,

I did some searching on the forum; but, I didn't find any threads or posts about shock boots.

We'll be installing some Bilstein 7100s soon, and I've been thinking about boots.

I know there's no right or wrong answer. Most hardcore (Pirate) wheelers appear to have the opinion that boots are more of a collection device for dirt and water. Other comments that I have read support the boots for as a little added protection for rod.

Just curious if there are any opinions you'd like to share.

(I've even added a poll to make it a little more interesting.)

I've kind of come to the understanding that in a lot of cases red boots are associated with Wild Horses and blue boots with Duff. Not sure if that's always the case, though.

Thanks for any input.

Jeff

 

[Bukin 67]

NAKED! (1. The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 8 characters.)

 

[Scoop]

I voted leave them naked as well. To me the boots look "all show, no go". But that's me. Besides the "holding in water and dirt" concerns, over time they sag, get dirty and start to look bad. I prefer the shiny look of the polished shock rod! ;D

 

[70_Steve]

I have removed my old school Rancho 9000's with boot from the rear, actually getting ready to replace them with 7100's. I have been amazed at how much mud has come out from the inside of the boots.

Never again!!!

 

[Jeff10]

Hey,

Three posts from three guys whose opinions I respect... and all with the same opinion.

Probably no need for me to be ordering shock boots.

Thanks for your input!

Jeff

 

[Mountain Ram]

I run them on my tow rig, but if they go offroad, you don't want them as others have said.

 

[Bronco Junkie]

My opinion....trail rig...no shock boots......stock(ish) look....shock boots.

 

[cldonley]

Great thread! I've been wondering the same. Never ran them on my previous 4x4s, but thought they might look cool when I finally finish my rig. Now I have my answer!

 

[OKLA70]

I run them on my tow rig, but if they go offroad, you don't want them as others have said.

Same here.

Tim

 

[Dannyboy71]

OK I'll be the odd ball. I like the boots looks better to me.

 

[broncnaz]

While I like the look of boots and have run them I dont anymore as was stated they hold water and dirt which leads to rust and possibly other issues.. Doesnt even matter if you go offroad or not.

 

[turbotim2]

My Bilsteins came with black boots on them. I like them on there, seems like a good way to protect the piston rod. I prefer black when it comes to these sorts of things. The colored ones seem to fade or get dirty really easily and don't look good.

 

[rguest3]

Black boots if anything. No shock boots came from Ford on these trucks though. Hmmm.

 

[Hozr]

What is this the 80's?

 

[savage]

;DI'm with the naked side!!!!!!!

 

[Jeff10]

Hey,

Thanks for the replies, and for voting.

There's one other question that I should have asked originally, too.

Is there ever a time when it's recommended that the shock body be installed closest to the axle mount rather than the frame or hoop mount?

Thanks again for all the input.

Jeff

 

[Broncobowsher]

When thinking about boots you need to consider the function more than the color. They do have a function, besides looking like from the 80's. Technically dust boots. They are used in some off-road motorcycles to protect the fork shafts as well. Impact damage and abrasive grit damaging the shafts led to the common aftermarket boots of the 80's (you could get them in hot pink back then as well). They are not sealed, they have to vent. Otherwise they will balloon as they cycle. Now run those boots on the street, through mud, etc. and they fill with mud. Drains not set up right and they hold water. Now the race parts suck. Not installed or utilized correctly.

Look at the OEM stuff. For decades there have been tin can style shock boots. A metal shield over the shaft to protect it from direct damage. Same thing as a shock boot only in metal. Even today you can get stuff on the dealer showroom with Rancho suspension. Those red shock boots look like the 80's urethane but are rigid plastic like the metal ones. Most front wheel drive struts will have a boot in them as well. This is even closer to what a shock boot as it is rubbery material.

So the shock boots are not inherently bad. But if not used correctly they do suck. But if used in the correct application, they do work well. Now the real question, is this going to be the correct application of the shock boots?

I have a set of Bilstiens on my utility trailer (needed with the air suspension). Knowing the rock spray that the trailer had received in the past I planned for this. The shocks are mounted behind the axle using the airbags as a deflector. Works out great. the paint on the front is showing chipping from gravel spray, but around the back of the airbag the shocks are still good and the paint isn't suffering from gravel damage. Just goes to show another aspect on installing a part correctly. And if I had to install the shock where it would have been in the gravel spray, it would have gotten a boot to protect the shaft. With careful consideration to the vents and drainage of the boot.