Shock Boots?

[explorer72]

I just installed a set of Rancho RSX's on my 97 Explorer but there was no way in hell the shock boots supplied would fit on the shocks (With the mounting hardware "T" in the way on the top of the shock). So my question to everyone is how many people are running the shock boots on there aftermarket shocks? I know that they help with dirt, water, etc but are they really 'needed' for normal day to day driving? Thanks in advance for any input....

 

[jimbo74]

i have some just cheap shocks on my toyota, and they didnt come with boots... and i have never had a problem with htem

 

[Buckshot]

Actually - the boots do fit. They are a real pain in the a$$ to put on though. You have to use plenty of WD40 or soapy water or some "slickener" on the inside of the boot and slide each compression point over one at a time. It takes a while - and you have to extend the shock repeatedly because the only way to get enough leverage is to push it against the ground, which completely compresses the shock every 3-4 ridges.

Make sense?

Even doing this, I ripped the very last ridge off one of the shock boots. Use the supplied zip ties to make it stay up....

 

[explorer72]

Thanks for all the input, the more I read on the subject though it seems having the boots on isn't always the best idea. It seems collection of water and mud can cause a serious rust problem to form on the shaft of the shocks and cause premature wear. So I'll be going bootless

 

[410Fortune]

NEVER run shock boots.....man those things SUCK IMO.
They trap water in there and sand or whatever and the shock body will begin to rust immediatley.
The rancho's have a good seal arounf the piston so I wouldnt worry too much about dirt getting in there, which is what they claim the purpose of the boot is, that and to keep the shaft from being pitted by flying rocks...I have never had a problem with boot free shocks.

 

[Buckshot]

Really? Wow....who woulda thunk the reason the mfr gives for running shock boots is the reason to NOT run shock boots?!?!?!

 

[gijoecam]

I've got them on my F-150, and will have them on my Explorer this weekend (hopefully). I plan on running the boots as it will be on the road more than not. I've got mixed feelings about them, but up here in the salt belt, I can't see them doing any more harm than leaving the shafts open to the elements to begin with.

-Joe

 

[Bronco638]

My OME shocks came with boots and I put them on. They were not a difficult install. However, I think Jamie makes a good point. It certainly wouldn't hurt to check under the boots to see what's happening in there. That said, I do not drive my truck that much. So, I don't expect any surprises.

 

[410Fortune]

the only reason for boots is to stop the shaft from getting pitted from rocks, salt, etc. ONce a shaft gets pitted it starts to wear the seal and eventually the shock will leak and fail.
So if you are running $3000 3.0L threaded body coilover shocks in desert races then by all means the boots might be for you. But I have personally never been able to pit the shaft on my Rancho's, Monroes, Duff, or any other shocks I have run on my vehicles bad enough to make the shock fail. the boots however = rust and that has cost me a shock in the past. Shocks last about 60K miles or so and unless you have them mounted right behind the tire where they get nailed with gravel all day, I dont think the boots will do you any good.