Replacing shocks ??
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 204
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From: New Smryna Beach FL
Replacing shocks ??
Hi:
I'm replacing all four shocks on my 99 4x4 SD, The shocks on now are not stock and the rear shocks are with the boot to the bottom. I see a lot of SD here and on other sites with the boots on the top. Does it matter where the boot is on the rear shocks? Should the boots be at the top or the bottom?
I see the front with the boots to the top so it's rear shocks I'm not sure of.
Thanks, Bob
I'm replacing all four shocks on my 99 4x4 SD, The shocks on now are not stock and the rear shocks are with the boot to the bottom. I see a lot of SD here and on other sites with the boots on the top. Does it matter where the boot is on the rear shocks? Should the boots be at the top or the bottom?
I see the front with the boots to the top so it's rear shocks I'm not sure of.
Thanks, Bob
Last edited by Hockycop; Jan 25, 2008 at 07:47 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
When you say the boot is on the bottom, do you mean it looks like the shocks are upside down? I've heard Bilstien shocks look like this. I've also heard Bilstien's are supposed to be some of the best shocks.
I've got the Monroe shocks on mine and they all look right side up. Hope this helps.
I've got the Monroe shocks on mine and they all look right side up. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 204
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From: New Smryna Beach FL
I guess it's up side down. On the truck now the rubber boot is on the bottom of the shock. I'm looking to replace it with rough country 9000 shocks. I was wondering if it matter which way the shock sits. I'm thinking the last guy who changed the shocks put them on up side down. Would that make it ride differant?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
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From: Texas
I think the shock needs to be installed the direction it was designed to be installed. Can you post a picture of what your shocks look like? Bilstiens are the only ones I've heard of that go on upside down. Maybe we can confirm that's what you have.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 563
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From: Llano and Huntsville, TX
from what i have been told with a monotube shock the direction doesn't matter... do a search and you'll see that bilstein had told many people on here that direction installed doesn't matter.
with that said i just installed a pair of shocks on the front end of my '00 superduty today and they would only go one way due to the size whole in the shock mount. so your new ones might only have one option on the way they are supposed to be mounted
with that said i just installed a pair of shocks on the front end of my '00 superduty today and they would only go one way due to the size whole in the shock mount. so your new ones might only have one option on the way they are supposed to be mounted
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: IL, USA
Depends on which shock......on a hydraulic shock they have to be mounted a specific direction (normally boot up).
Nitrogen charged shocks, orientation doesn't effect operation. It's recommended to mount them boot down to prevent dirt and grime collecting around the shaft seal and causing premature failure.
Nitrogen charged shocks, orientation doesn't effect operation. It's recommended to mount them boot down to prevent dirt and grime collecting around the shaft seal and causing premature failure.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Vilonia Arkansas
I was told the right way to install bilsteins is so the lettering on the shock is right side up and readable. I put bilsteins all the way around my dually last year what a difference they really improved the ride and handling.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Hickory, North Carolina
whatever yo do decide to go with be sure and get a monotube shock and stay away from the twintube designs. the twins are old tech back from the 60's and arent meant to hold up in todays trucks. you will get a better shock just by upgrading to a monotube. I went with the kyb momotube shocks and have been very pleased with this shock. I got them from shockwarehouse at a stellar price. just call them and they will explain everything to you.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: New Smryna Beach FL
Thanks for all your help guys. I think I'll try is boot/steel shaft down as that's the way it was. I already took the old ones off, replaced the diff cover and put a 5" rear lift block (that replaced the old 3 in block) I'm going to finish with the rear end today by putting on the shocks.
Thanks again, I'll take some pics and show you how it turns out......
Thanks again, I'll take some pics and show you how it turns out......
