So I just purchased the 3.5 Aev premium lift kit for my 09 jku and I'm fairly sure the billsteins on that lift come with shock boots. I could be wrong...but anyway, most guys I've seen around here don't run them. Some do.

I'm assuming he argument is that dirt and mud wont be getting in the seal of the shock. Do you run em? Would you recommend running em?

All in all, yes I will be doing a bit of offroading (1-2 times a week) but I really like the look without the boot.

Thoughts?

 

being that you're up in canada, i definitely would NOT run them. mud, water, salt dirt and gunk will get caught inside the boot and allow it to sit against the shock shaft for extended periods of time. this WILL cause the shaft to rust and ultimately ruin the shock.

 

WOL, what about in Alabama? I am getting some 5100's in a couple of days and would like to run them without the boot. What do ya' think? BTW, some light wheeling (1-2 times/month). Thanks

 

i personally never like to run boots.

 

What he said. They accumulate debris which then scratches your shafts, which in turn damages the seals, and your shocks leak.


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

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Perfect. Great advice. Can always count on this forum! Thanks man. No boot it is!

 

Awesome info, thanks! I also like the look of no boot but was worried that it would void the Bilstein warranty.

 

Every stock vehicle that I can think of runs shock boots from the factory -- The argument could be made that they protect the junk from getting there in the first place, and, exposed shock shafts will constantly be subjected to salt, road grime, etc. etc.

For anything but dry weather driving, I would run boots.

 

The boots on my bilstines trapped water and mud in them! Your better off running without them. The problem is that the boots supplied with the bilstines are junk, now the boots on the stock rubi shocks do there job well and don't trap water in them.

 

I ran Ranchos with boots on my YJ in the the mid atlantic region. replaced two times due to pitting and seal leakage. The boots would ooze all the time after wheeling or heavy rains. I have run my bilsteins without boots and the shafts still look good. I spray them with fresh water to rinse them off each time i wash the car like i do to the undercariage as well. Run without the boots is my .02