5100 black plastic tube

I am going to put these 5100s on soon. What is the plastic tube for? The shock on the left has the tube removed and the shock on the right shows it installed. Does it need to be installed, optional, or don't install it? Thanks.

 

your choice. all of the top name coilovers dont have protectors on them. so they arent necessary, but they dont have any negative effects so yah might as well just leave um.

 

Thats what she said

 

I thought about taking my boots and those covers off because I have heard that boots cause more harm than good by allowing dirt build up. I don't see anything getting between the coils and damaging the shaft.

 

dust boots

 

Just one observation: all the aftermarket coilovers with exposed shafts have the shock body on top and the shaft coming out of the bottom, which means dirt and debris are less likely to accumulate on the shaft seal. OMEs are oriented like Bilsteins, and they also have a dust cover. I think the dust cover is necessary.

 

Google around and you find stuff like this. I guess it's for harsher environments.