My first thread, WOW!!!

Anyway, I just read a post in the "aftermarket exhaust" area that referenced a melted shock boot. I hope this is of some interest to a few.

When I bought my first set of aftermarket shocks (RS5000's) I put the boots on for a two reasons. To protect the piston of the shock (keep dirt and bad stuff out) and they look cool.

20k miles later, when I was buying new RS5000's from 4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers, I noticed some trucks in the parking lot that were running aftermarket shocks w/out boots. So inside I asked the question, should I or shouldn't I run boots w/ shocks. I got the same response from customer as I did from the people behind the counter.

Everyone said that the idea of the boots are again, to keep debris (dirt, sand, small rocks) away from the shock piston. In fact they do a better job of keeping "stuff" in.

So when I started installing the new shocks I cut the old boots off and it was amazing all the "stuff" that was trapped in the shock boot. Needless to say I will never run shock boots again, until someone, probably on this website, can convince me otherwise.

Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

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99 4x4 XLT supercab 5.4L Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Med. Graphite w/Captain Chairs, Pioneer DEP-4000, Tint, K&N, Bedliner, 3" Catback w/3 Chamber Flowmaster, 285/75/16 BFG A/T on American Racing Python wheels

 

Here is my take on the shock boot thing. If the manufacturer didn't think shock boots were a good thing they wouldn't send them with the shocks (the Edlebrocks I just got came with them anyway.)

Also, the idea of the shock boot is to keep the rocks from knicking the piston which would surely wear out the seal prematurely. My shocks are mounted upside down so if anything does collect in the boot it won't be sitting on top of the shock.

Bottom line - I think they serve a purpose. Especially on 4x4's.

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'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4, Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter and Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd. Rigged the fog lights too.

 

kkirt1,

Well, my concern w/boots is they do confine "stuff" up against the piston. They are not breathable. I just personally feel that the piston stays cleaner w/out a boot, and so did the people I spoke to. Couldn't the "stuff" trapped in the boot damage the piston? I have also noticed desert racers run their shocks w/out boots. Its just my personal preference.

BTW, not all aftermarket mfrs' shocks come with boots. (ie. procomp and eliminator)

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99 4x4 XLT supercab 5.4L Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Med. Graphite w/Captain Chairs, Pioneer DEP-4000, Tint, K&N, Bedliner, 3" Catback w/3 Chamber Flowmaster, 285/75/16 BFG A/T on American Racing Python wheels


[This message has been edited by Loser1 (edited 09-20-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Loser1 (edited 09-20-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Loser1 (edited 09-20-1999).]

 

I agree - somewhat. The piston would stay cleaner if all you drove was on-road. Just the fact that the dirt would have no where to hide and the wind and rain would do a pretty good job of keeping most of the gunk off of the piston rod.

When you start off-roading though, not even anything serious, you stand a chance of getting some mud caked on the piston rod. Anytime you have metal in constant contact with a foreign substance you risk developing rust in these areas. I guess this could go both ways.

The question I guess is that is there a danger of the piston rod being damaged by flying debris? I say yes, at least in the type of driving I do.