I am pretty sure this has been discussed before but I searched and I can't locate the thread. I put new Bilsteins on the rear and it looks like the boot is supposed to go down? Is this correct? Most shocks the boot is on the top but the boot drain holes were on the bottom and the writing would be upside down if the boot was on top. Thanks!

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

 

nope, the boot will hold water like that

 

Yes, you are correct. The shock for your truck is designed to be body up/boot (shaft) down. The boot has drain holes to let water out, but there is a way to prevent crap getting caught in the boot...don't run one. It's for looks anyways.

If you installed that shock the other way, then you really wouldn't have any drain holes and the boot would hold everything.

But it's not about where the boot is, it's about how the shock is valved/designed to be mounted. People have called on this application before and you have it correct.

 

Well that is the way it looked to me. I just have never seen a boot down before. Wish they would put a note or something in the box. They ride great that is for sure, big improvement over my worn out stock ones.

 

Never seen the boot down before?? You need to look around more It's pretty popular, I'd say 50/50 or better of shocks out there are designed boot down. I wouldn't have it any other way. You don't need a note...seems like your reasoning and common sense took over just fine (i.e. the label on the shock)

 

Thanks man! I always try to keep my head up maybe that's why I missed it!

 

While we're here...what's the part numbers off your shocks? You just ordered the HD's correct?

 

I got them from Shockwarehouse. Part # was F4-BE5-A935-H0 and yes they are the HD.

 

That's one of them. Safe to assume the other is a A934?

Did the front change the ride height any from the previous (stock shock) ride height?

 

Reason?? It helps on cutting down the sprung weight.

 

Easy way to remeber with Bilsteins is you should be able to read "Bilstein" right side up when installed (as you said).

 

does the same hold true for Rancho shocks? I purchased the XL9000's and it would make it a lot easier to turn the adjuster **** if they were mounted boot down.

I know, I know booo the Rancho guy. lol

 

I only replaced my rear shocks but i am pretty sure that is the front part#. Plan on doing the fronts but just haven't had the time yet. Amazing how much better it rides just doing the rears.

 

When I did mine, I did the rears about 3 months before I got the fronts on, and the rears made far more impact than the fronts.

 

Yep! Body up also places the body of the shock more up under the truck out of harms way. Relative, I know, but the body is a lot more fragile than that shaft is. You'll dent the body or something long before you damage that shaft. Look at the design of all your real off road shock manufacturers...Fox, King, SAW, Bilsteins (the good ones; 7100, 9100 and up) etc...all body up!