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

 

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 believe the boot is there just to protect the steel shaft from dirt road grime.Therefore it should be ontop covering the steel shaft.Maybe the one you have seen just lost the tie wrap they use to hold them up.

 

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?

 

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.

 

Edelbrock's performer IAS shocks go on upside down too

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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......

 

Most of your oil and gas shocks such as the Rough Country Hydro 8000 and Nitro 9000 are made to run cyl down. Most all shocks are made to run like that unless you get shocks such as a bilstein or a Fox.

 

JMFR

I'm not sure what you mean. Your saying I should put boot/steel shaft at the top.......

 

Yes, most of your shocks are made to run cyl down.

 

One rule of thumb that I have heard is to make sure the writing on the shock (brand name) is right side up.