Mount shocks without boots?
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Thread Ender
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,296
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From: SC
Mount shocks without boots?
Im wanting to get some opinions on mounting these Rancho shocks without the ugly red boots that they came with. I dont live near the coast, and dont get much snow or salt on the roads here, so Im wondering if I can get away with it. I like the look of just the plain polished rod too. If not, the stock shocks look like they have a plastic cover or something over the rod, can I reuse that? 
(I havent started the install yet and havent looked real closely.)
(I havent started the install yet and havent looked real closely.)
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 938
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From: Outside Boise, Idaho
This is America and you can do anything you want. If you don't like the boots, especially since they provide protection for your polished rod (did I say that?), don't use them.
Like other products for your polished rod they do come in colors...
Like other products for your polished rod they do come in colors...
Thread Starter
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Thread Ender
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 8
From: SC
:
I figured somebody would comment on the polished rod term, but that was pretty quick. I really dont want to use any boots at all, I just think they look cheesy, but if I need them for protection, ill use them. Probably thinking too much about this. F it, Im not gonna use em. 4 red shock boots for sale! J/K, I know this isnt the classifieds. Maybe I will put them in the free parts thread. If anybody thinks its stupid not to use them, stop me before I make this huge mistake!
I figured somebody would comment on the polished rod term, but that was pretty quick. I really dont want to use any boots at all, I just think they look cheesy, but if I need them for protection, ill use them. Probably thinking too much about this. F it, Im not gonna use em. 4 red shock boots for sale! J/K, I know this isnt the classifieds. Maybe I will put them in the free parts thread. If anybody thinks its stupid not to use them, stop me before I make this huge mistake!
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 938
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From: Outside Boise, Idaho
I take my cheap shots when I can. Any who, my shocks are all mounted body up, shaft down (not again), so my boots really are there for protection. And the stabilizers in front are in front of the axle so they need protection also.
If the boots have your panties in a bunch then don't use them. Maybe you replace the shocks more often, maybe you don't. You do like to mod, and you do have a Ranch Hand, so you don't exactly blend in with a crowd. Do it your way.
If the boots have your panties in a bunch then don't use them. Maybe you replace the shocks more often, maybe you don't. You do like to mod, and you do have a Ranch Hand, so you don't exactly blend in with a crowd. Do it your way.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Lots of shocks don't have those boots and last just as long. Good addition for a price hike though. I would just get some Monroe-matics for $100 total. Then you can display your polished ****, I mean rod, oh never mind.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: New Jersey
Always thought the boots were there to protect the shock seal from grit. Ding the shaft, create an edge, ruin the seal.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Most shocks don't have boots, in fact mine didn't leak after 160k miles when I changed them for more with no boots.........just a luxury.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 503
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From: MT
Can U run with out, yes. Not a wise choice..............
Buck up and buy some black boots
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Owensboro, KY
I completely disagree with the above post about using boots. All the boots are good for is trapping moisture and possible grit in them after they develop cracks, which usually happens fairly quick.
I have off-roaded jeeps for many years, no one ever runs boots on their shocks even in severe muddy and wet conditions for the reason I stated above.
You will in no way damage your shocks on your X without the boots on them.
I have off-roaded jeeps for many years, no one ever runs boots on their shocks even in severe muddy and wet conditions for the reason I stated above.
You will in no way damage your shocks on your X without the boots on them.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 503
Likes: 0
From: MT
I completely disagree with the above post about using boots. All the boots are good for is trapping moisture and possible grit in them after they develop cracks, which usually happens fairly quick.
I have off-roaded jeeps for many years, no one ever runs boots on their shocks even in severe muddy and wet conditions for the reason I stated above.
You will in no way damage your shocks on your X without the boots on them.
I have off-roaded jeeps for many years, no one ever runs boots on their shocks even in severe muddy and wet conditions for the reason I stated above.
You will in no way damage your shocks on your X without the boots on them.
After changing shocks for years, there is a reason for the bell, boot...............
Your Jeep is no proof when I have cars/trucks covering dirt roads for 400K miles in the shop. Speed hurts everything here...........................
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I just took my Motorcraft shocks off my Ex after 160k miles which were working pretty well and they looked fine with no visible leaks.