shock boots?

[06lariat4x4]

i just installed a dual steering stabilizer kit from procomp and it didnt come with the shick boots. are they necessary or is it ok to run it with out them?

thanks,
mitch

[rla251]

I run without them I feel they just give a place for water and dirt to collect, but that is just IMHO

[06lariat4x4]

thats what i was kinda thinking to cause the shocks themselves will clean the shaft before it enters the body correct?

[rla251]

My thoughts are the same, I think most run them for the looks

[06lariat4x4]

run the boots for looks?

[rla251]

From Four Wheelin Magazine I read the following;

The general consensus throughout the 4-wheel drive world now is that you should run shocks without a boot. Reason; when 4-wheeling, the amount of dust, dirt, grime, mud and grit generated is far more than that of a normal car, driving on the road. With a shock boot in place, the nastiness will get caught inside the boot and can’t be removed. The grit and grime will load up on the piston rod because of the thin oil coating. This grit will ultimately score not only the seals of the shock, but the shock piston rod as well, causing oil seepage and ultimately, the demise of the shock itself. Running without a boot will allow you to blast that crud away with a garden hose and a soft cloth.

[06lariat4x4]

wow thanks for the info! looks like im gonna pull all my shock boots off now! im very particular of washing my truck but i do drive alot of gravel and muddy roads here in canada.

thanks!

[tyhackman15]

My truck came with shocks that have boots on them already installed, and it RUINED the bodies of the shocks. Completely rusted out. Never use boots, unless they are open on the bottom (some types of bilsteins have these)

[armyguy209]

Shock Boots are just plain GAY...lol They are supposed to be to keep dirt,mud,etc out because when the dirt starts getting on the shafts...when they go in and out...(I know sounds dirty haha)...they dirt particles prematurely wear the seals out....

I have ran EVERY set of shocks on EVERY truck I have had WITHOUT ever having the boots on....0 troubles...

Take the GAY boots off and let er ride.....

[Abrannan19]

yep..I have no boots on mine, not only do they collect dirt and look bad, they will accelerate rusting.