stupid question for today

[SANDBLASTER]

:dunno: Do shocks need boots ?

 

[Petescj]

I use them just for the fact its cheap protection from any kind of dirt getting in there. Mud can do more damage than rocks alot of times.

 

[coldwater]

They don't NEED to have boots, but It's a good idea to cover the piston rods to keep them clean. When they get mud and debris on them the in and out movement can and will eventually cut the o rings and cause them to leak oil, and or let off pressure in a nitro charged shock. It just extends the life of the shock.

 

[Old Dog]

I do not run boots.
You guy's take a look under the boot sometime, I bet your shock is rusted up from them holding moisture in.

 

[IOPort51]

Dog got a point. Maybe another maintainable issue to be addressed, rusted or scratched it's the hydraulic seal that fails and then the shock becomes junk.
I have never pulled the boots off, anybody??

 

[coldwater]

I used to swap out the boots about every year or so, but never found rust on the actual rod itself. The rest of the shocks get hell though.

 

[BusaDave9]

I do not run boots.
You guy's take a look under the boot sometime, I bet your shock is rusted up from them holding moisture in.

Learn a new trick from an Old Dog. Scrap your boots. I run my CJ through mud and water. I got a false sense of security thinking my boots were protecting the shocks. About 3 weeks ago I was working on my suspension and found a bunch of mud inside my shock boots. When the boots are new they may keep out the mud and most of the water but eventually water and mud will get inside. Then the boots will hold that crud there until they wreck the shock.

 

[coldwater]

Then again...I would rather staple my eyelids to my forehead than to willingly drive my Jeep into a mud hole. No sir, my mud days are looooong past.

 

[SANDBLASTER]

controversial subject I recon
but as usual a wealth of knowledge on this forum ... THANKS

 

[Old Dog]

controversial subject I recon
but as usual a wealth of knowledge on this forum ... THANKS

I think it all comes down to, do you like them or not. The shocks have to be replaced every so often anyways. :driving:

 

[BajaEdition]

I stopped using boots after finding rust on my rods

 

[KenB]

Viagra

Helps prevent rusty rods.