1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Stupid question about dust boots on shocks

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by TRD Proser, Jul 18, 2021.

  1. Jul 18, 2021 at 11:40 AM
    #1
    TRD Proser

    TRD Proser [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2021
    Member:
    #19063
    Messages:
    19
    OK, I feel bad about asking this stupid question, but I was wondering if it's possible to remove the ugly plastic dust boots on my front bilstein 5100's while on the vehicle?

    I've decided I'd like them gone because I'm a man child and don't like the look of the fugly black boot. I had a shop install the shocks, so I don't know if I can simply use needle nose pliers to get in between the coils and yank or if the whole assembly needs to be taken apart to remove them.

    thanks and sorry for the stupid question...I'm embarrassed lol
     
    olliechristoper likes this.
  2. Jul 18, 2021 at 12:17 PM
    #2
    olliechristoper

    olliechristoper New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2021
    Member:
    #22179
    Messages:
    223
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    I don't see why not as long as you consider they are there to protect the shaft and seals. I run my shocks bare on my truck. But i also replace them at each tire change. For these new expensive suspension upgrades I would like some sort of protection covering the shaft.
     
    Roland likes this.
  3. Jul 29, 2022 at 6:39 AM
    #3
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2017
    Member:
    #3777
    Messages:
    4,453
    First Name:
    Jake
    California
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5P
    Absolutely can be done.

    Some would argue it SHOULD be done because those things can trap moisture. I run my shocks without them.

    You'll probably need some snips, scissors, or a box cutter to get them off.
     
  4. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:41 AM
    #4
    Overland WT

    Overland WT Grumpy Old Guy

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2022
    Member:
    #25317
    Messages:
    638
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bryan
    West Texas
    Vehicle:
    2017 TRD Off Road
    Many with many more to go
    They are there for a reason - protection. But what kind of protection? If your rig doesn't see a lot of sea water, excessive gravel roads, large rocks, etc, then they are not really protecting anything. I removed them from my Bilstein's simply because they bound up oddly from lots of high and low articulation. Keep them clean, especially at the seals and you shouldn't have any issues.
     
  5. Jul 29, 2022 at 10:56 AM
    #5
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2019
    Member:
    #8935
    Messages:
    616
    Gender:
    Male
    Yeah, and as Nimby said above; they're known for trapping in moisture and fine debris, which often ends up causing more harm than good. I've always removed them, and recommend others I know to remove them (live in the Midwest though, so see a lot of rain, snow, mud, etc...)

    But realize this conversation may be moot as the OP was over year ago.
     
    nimby and Overland WT like this.
  6. Jan 30, 2023 at 1:41 PM
    #6
    yany007

    yany007 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 28, 2022
    Member:
    #26335
    Messages:
    20
    Try to bump up this thread. I actually am in an opposite dilemma. I installed 5100 myself and thought the boot cover is useless. But lately I realize there is washer on top of the boot. Could that washer be used to hold the black rubber thing? Am I supposed to put in back on?

    IMG-3016.jpg
     

Products Discussed in

To Top