I'm getting some Bilstein 5100 shocks and they come with boot covers. I talk to Jim at Top gun customz and he said not to put the boot covers on cause it will trap moisture and make the shocks rust over time. I can understand that but when I go offroading won't mud and dirt get into my shock and make the shock go bad without the boot covers?

So my question is should I put them on or leave the boot covers off?

 

i've heard to leave them off and i've heard to install them...I took my chances and installed them on my truck.

 

So you bought them from Jim and Jim recommends you not install them and your question is??????????? What difference does it make what others do????

 

That's a load of crap. If the rods are gonna rust, they are gonna rust with or without boots. The rods are probably high chromium steel anyway, and should not rust. Put the boots on to protect the rods from mud and rocks.

 

That's what I figured. I knew what Jim meant but I figure if I go mudding it would help more then hurt it.

 

What I was told is the boots have holes in them and if sand/mud gets in which it will you will not see it in there and not be able to wash it out that's what he may be talking about. If you like the way boots look put them on if not why go against what the person who sold them to you suggests?? If you have a problem with them he should replace them because he said not to run them. The stems can handle mud that way without boots when you wash your truck you rinse off the shocks. I have never put boots on. Even my Jeep has no boots and mud/sand all the time. Nice clean shocks when I go to the car wash The other thing you could do is call Bilstein and ask what they recommend with there shocks.....instead of us who know it all!!!!!! Checked Bilsteins website...they have a life time warranty ....go with what look you like.

 

1. They provide boots with the shocks. Kind of implies they approve of using them.

2. No lifetime warranty on 5100's. Racing and off-road shocks don't carry any warranty.

 

The 5100 DO have a lifetime warranty - I have a set for my Jeep and the invoice states lifetime warranty. 5100 are not considered racing and off-road but vehicle specific. I was told by the dealer who sold me my lift kit and shocks not to run boots and also called Bilstein when I was installing and they suggested no boots. So i never put them on. I run mine without you run yours with. I don't think it really matters.

 

plus they look better without! 1985 called and wants it shock boots back.

 

Hang on to them - they will come back in style

 

leave em off..

they do trap dirt/mud and grime against the shaft seal over time...

if possible mount em upside down so the fat end is to the top, that way crap wont stay sitting ontop of the shock seal.

and it looks better to.

 

what year truck? mine are installed boot down.(acordian style) no problem here.