just noticed in the pictures hwm3 put on to start this thread, it says 5125's
on the shock, not 5100

 

BINGO. The shocks I have are not the standard replacement, yellow bodied 5100s. They are the silver bodied 5125s.

Now it really doesn't matter which way you mount them, they will function just as well either way. I like them with the boot down so it drains any water that gets in rather than holding it.

 

FYI, they make the 5100 both in silver and yellow. The silver one's are adjustable from 0-2 inches unlike the yellow 5100 which are not. And from what I understand there is no wrong way to install the rears, I will be getting my silver 5100's and will install like you have

 

If the boots are mounted down, they will hold water, the boot air/drain holes are on the body side of the boot. I have the 5125's with the boot mounted up, that is the way the shock text reads right side up (stickers/stamped).

 

Yep....Bilstein screwed up when they put the lettering upside-down with the boot up

 

Looks like its boot down

 

Just got this return email from Bilstein on how to mount the shocks. Read below.

Look at the shock and locate the light blue band on the tube the spells out Bilstein. If you can read that right side up then that's how the shock should be installed. Do not use air tools it will void the warranty.

Regards,


Warranty Specialist/Job Order Technician

ThyssenKrupp Bilstein Of America