To boot or not to boot is the question
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Dela Where?
To boot or not to boot is the question
I purchased Bilstein 5100's I didn't install the boots. Today at the alignment shop I received mixed reviews from fellow JK'ers. I read a few posts that say not too, and i prefer the look. The roads here get overloaded with salt in the winters. I also play in sand often (NJ Pine Barrens) and would love some feedback. Thanks
Also is it ok to mount the rears inverted?
Also is it ok to mount the rears inverted?
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: BonitaCA
i have ran my 5100 for over 2 years with out boots, when fully extended the boot pops off. i think they look better with out. + the boot keeps in moisture, sand and other garbage.
and yes you can can mount them inverted
and yes you can can mount them inverted
Last edited by willypapooh; Apr 27, 2011 at 08:17 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 1
From: Lakeside, CA
The boots are mainly to keep the shaft of the shock from getting pitted. They don’t keep the salt and other stuff in the environment out. I keep putting my boot back on and I’m not sure why I bother.
Eternal ***erator
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 18,270
Likes: 3
From: Niagara, New York
While i DO like the way they look, I vote no boots.
IMO after owning multiple vehicles and playing in the mud most of my life and living in the salt belt of western NY they hold mud/sand/salt other crud up against the shaft of the shock and cause it to pit, which wears out the seals and causes the shocks to leak prematurely. On a purely street driven summer vehicle i have nothing against them.
Just my
IMO after owning multiple vehicles and playing in the mud most of my life and living in the salt belt of western NY they hold mud/sand/salt other crud up against the shaft of the shock and cause it to pit, which wears out the seals and causes the shocks to leak prematurely. On a purely street driven summer vehicle i have nothing against them.
Just my
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: The living room
It was a 80's thing,,, now everybody is goin bootless and those darn black wheels,, course you could go with em, and if ya keep it long enough I'm sure the trend will come back around, I'm still holdin on to my bell-bottoms just waiting for the day,,, 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Nampa ID
This is so ture.... boots are a thing of the past. Now black wheels.... I had a set in 97 on my first truck (79 Dodge PowerWagon) and everyone thought they looked dumb. Know you can get anywheel in black. I also have ran boots on everything... only problem was the boots would come off. As far as running them upside down... most manufactures will have a note with the shock if you can't mount them inverted.
