Please excuse my ignorance here, but I've never ran into this issue before.... its usually pretty clear,

how does the rear Bilstein mount?

Boot side up, or Boot side down? I only ask this because the small holes in the boot to allow drainage would be on top if the shock goes boot side up...which kind of defeats the purpose of the drain hole...

Any info would be appreciated!

Cheers

Nem

BTW, the leveling kit is on and I'm loven it! Very nice ride with the Bilsteins!!

 

Boot down, that's how I installed mine

 

I'm not sure it matters on the 5100's. I'd go boot side down.

Your shock should not be "draining"

Edit: I guess you're saying to allow stuff to drain out of the boot.

 

Thanks 07fx4,

Thats how I ended up doing mine anyways! I figured not alot could really go wrong! But than again I'm not certian of that!

BTW, your truck brings alot of inspiration my way! I've been spending alot of time in your gallery! Sweet truck! Some of those pictures of your truck have been decision makers for me!

Cheers

Nem


when I say draining... i mean when the boot fills with water or muds (depending on the circumstance).... not that the shock itself is draining!

Sorry I didn't clerify!

Cheers and thanks

Nem

 

boot down. Bilstein says to mount their shocks so that the "Bilstein" sticker always reads correctly. I took the boots off, to me the look bad and serve no purpose other than to trap sand and mud. I called Bilstein and they agreed with me, and also verified that it would not hurt the warranty.

 

Thanks man, glad I could be of some help. If you need anything else let me know

 

Thanks for the feedback! I personally think the shocks look better without! But its function that means the most!

07fx4,

your welcome bud!

Cheers

Nem

 

Another vote for no boot!! The boot serves no function except to trap water, grit, grime, and dirt inside the boot. Shock shafts are not damaged in any form by any mud or grime that you may perceive to be stuck to it. All shocks, especially a high end shock like a Bilstein, has what's called a scraper ring whose sole purpose in life is to remove anything from the shaft so it doesn't damage any seals or internals under compression. Go bootless or go home.