Bilstien Shock Question
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Elder User
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From: Steeler Country
Bilstien Shock Question
Putting new Bilstein shocks on my 2003 SD350 4x4. The shocks came with no instructions and website was no help. I then called the east coast and west coast offices. Two different answers. actually three, with the last being boot down.
Do the rubber boots on the shocks go up or down?
The shocks are yellow with blue boots. They only fit with the boot down, part number have 2818 and 2819 on end and were heavy duty models. The only other thing was box listed F250 not F350 but I believe that should not matter, both summit racing and bilstein site list them for F350 4x4.
Do the rubber boots on the shocks go up or down?
The shocks are yellow with blue boots. They only fit with the boot down, part number have 2818 and 2819 on end and were heavy duty models. The only other thing was box listed F250 not F350 but I believe that should not matter, both summit racing and bilstein site list them for F350 4x4.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Boston
Hey Bakon,
Yes, boots down is how I installed them without any issues, mounted such that the label is readable.
As a side note, I just sent in my 100k mi front Bilstien's for "evaluation" / warranty replacement...I'll let everyone know how that goes!
ncon
Yes, boots down is how I installed them without any issues, mounted such that the label is readable.
As a side note, I just sent in my 100k mi front Bilstien's for "evaluation" / warranty replacement...I'll let everyone know how that goes!
ncon
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From: 92592
In theory it doesn't matter but, yes, boot down is the preferred install so dirt/dust/moisture tends to fall away from the seal rather than sit on it.
BTW, the boots are vented, (have to be or they'd blow up) and are only meant to keep stuff from hitting the shafts.
BTW, the boots are vented, (have to be or they'd blow up) and are only meant to keep stuff from hitting the shafts.
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From: Steeler Country
The label on the rears was upright when installed. It was the front the label was upside down installed with the boot down. One person at east coast office said, install them so you can read them. That would be boot up but they dont fit the stud up top that way. Flipped over, label upside down, boot down, stud and bottom bolt fit.
Did see the vents and thought they should be down too, drain out water. I did not consider debris sitting on the seal, but boot down would eliminate that too.
Did see the vents and thought they should be down too, drain out water. I did not consider debris sitting on the seal, but boot down would eliminate that too.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Boston
I'm surprised it didn't fit in either way, in my 99 250 they do, but with that vented boot for sure down. I have Bilstiens on the wife's jeep that have a cup shaped blue boot, open to the large end of the shock, and these mount only in the "boot upward" scenario (rears)...and it makes sense as that type boot would not hold water in there.
Roughcountry has dual shock brackets for about $80, thinking about running 2...if Bilstien gives me the warranty replacements!
Your gonna love new front shocks!
Roughcountry has dual shock brackets for about $80, thinking about running 2...if Bilstien gives me the warranty replacements!
Your gonna love new front shocks!
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From: Steeler Country
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Bilstein approved free warranty replacements on my 100Kmi 5100's today, I'm happy to report. Thanks for the comments on dual shocks, I decided to stick with the new single stock setup for now. It's a night and day difference with the new shocks in there!
