OK, I need to tap the resources and experience of the Forum -- I've read several different threads where knowledgeable sounding folks say to mount Bilstein shocks "differently" -- i.e., with the boots down, to avoid crud building up on the shelf created by the cylinder being installed on the bottom. But, where do you find the basis for this wisdom, and why does it only apply to Bilstein shocks? It makes sense to me, BUT when I mentioned this to an experienced truck mechanic he said, "well, yeah, it makes sense and I've heard that, too, but what does Bilstein say? I'd mount them same as Ford does, otherwise."

I just got some HD Bilstein shocks to replace oem shocks on a 2003 FX4 F250. OEM shocks are mounted boot up. Bilstein website doesn't mention anywhere which way to mount HD shocks. Instructions with the shocks don't say how to orient them in mounting , and neither do boxes the shocks are in. Magazine articles showing HD shocks installed by pretty reputable shops have them mounted boot up as often (or maybe more often) than not.

Does anyone have any "official" source that says one way or the other for Bilstein HD shocks on Superduty? Any info re whether the valving is affected by the way the shock is mounted? I'm inclined to go with the boot down for the "debris-build-up" reasons given in the various threads, otherwise.

TIA
RR

 

I mounted the Bilsteins on the front of my F350 and on the rear of my old Baja bug with the boots down. My neighbor's Chevy has half the Bilsteins mounted boots down, the other half mounted boots up. Go figure.. I put them boots-down for the same reasons you discussed. The 4wd shop where I bought them recommended to put them boots-down. I also put my Ranchos on boots-down for the same reasons. Rancho says the shocks can be mounted either way.

 

Yup -- I would expect that a shock SHOULD be able to be mounted either way, unless there is some mechanical interferance with suspension or body parts. But, I also know that quite a few instructions state that you should mount the shock boots up or down according to manufacturer instructions, and if there are specific instructions for that by make rather than by vehicle, I worry that valving/function may be a factor. I would really like to see a similar statement from Bilstein that, like Rancho, the HD can be mounted either way. I recall reading that reservoir series Bilstein shocks are only meant to be mounted with boot down to protect the reservoir from damage, but nothing like that for 5100 or HD series. I appreciate your info, as it tends to make me feel OK about mounting boot down.
Thanks.
RR

 

they go down

 

Found it they say boots down. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ght=bilsteins+
I don't know if this link will work. The thread is from 2/9/04.

 

Actually bilstein says to put them down like that. Notice which way your label is positioned on the shock

 

02superstroker -- Ur a genius! Now there's the hook to hang my hat on... I always put my labels right-side-up.

I'm still amazed there's no direct info from Bilstein, but then the lack of it may just mean that it doesn't matter.

TA

RR