Putting in Bilstiens. Read that the back ones go on upside down. Do they have to? The rubber boots are sized such that the blue cover has to go up. What gives? Also, it is too late now but what size are the bolts that hold the shock on? The 3/4 is a tad too big and the 11/16 is a tad too small. I am guessing they are 18 mm, am I right?
Steve

 

My Bilstein 5100's had boots down front and back.

Yes, the wrench size is 18mm. Just be ready to go the hardware store to buy new bolts for the rear bottoms, as I had too at least. You'll be happy w/ your bilsteins.

 

My Bilstein's are the same as Alpine6, logos up and boots down. If you run a search, you find more information on them. Best shocks I have ever run, you wont regret it.

 

Update:

There was no way that they were going to go on upside down. The holes in the bushings on both ends only fit with the boot on top.
Figures that the 18 mil is the correct size, I didn't have it. Made do with a 3/4 inch wrench.
Putting on the front ones was a PITA. Having to work around the wheel well sucked. Then having to get that allen wrench in there and have it hold was tough also. Turning the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn each time was a little frustrating. Also had to jack up the frame so the tire would drop a couple of inches to get the bottom of the fronts on. I wish I had had some help but was doing it myself. The back ones went on slick as a whistle.
All in all I only have one squished finger, man that hurt but the installation was not to awful hard....

Steve

 

Lionsteve, I assume you have a 2wd? My front passenger side was a total b##ch to get on, took alot longer than I expected.

 

2wd. Just a pain to hold the allen wrench while turning the nut. Oh and trying to find and pick up the bolt after droping it down inside the frame somewhere. Arrrgggg......

Steve