Bilstein 5100 question

I just received a set of 5100's and noticed there werent any dust boots on them. I was wondering if they are supposed to be included or not. Seems like there should be some included especially with the road salt season rapidly approaching. Thanks for your time.

 

I forget to mention they are the 2 front shocks

 

Yes they should of included them . I just got mine a month or so ago and I got rubber ones for the rear and plastic on the front . I would call them and let them know . They will more then likely send you some.

 

Yes, hey are hard plastic dust shields but they also have a spacer washer at the top that you will need when installing them.

 

I just contacted the place where i ordered the shocks online and they told me that boots arent included and they are unnecessary. When i told him that some people received them he was surprised. Am i gettin the run-around .........again!

 

My FRONT 5100s did not come with boots. My rear 5100s did, though. FWIW, the 7100s I'm now running out back didn't come with boots and haven't given me a problem.

 

My 5100's didn't come with them. I know some places send them with boots and some don't. I've always heard boots do more harm than good by trapping dust and dirt in the boot without it being able to escape, rather than keeping everything out altogether. Most people on here don't use them, myself included, and have had 0 issues.

 

However, I do see a lot of set ups where dust boots are included when being installed on the rear, as Lumpskie said. Now I wanna know how they know whether you're putting them on the front or rear when you order them....hmmmm

 

^haha

They can probably tell because of the mounting. The rear has to eyes and the front is one eye and one stud. It's wierd that ppl have seen fronts with and without boots. I've only seen the rear with boots... maybe it's a geographical thing?

 

Oh okay. I've replaced the fronts, but not the rears, so I don't know much about them...I just went to toytec and looked and the rear mounting point is different. THAT'S how they know!

 

I just cant imagine that salty water getting in the shock can do it any good but well see. Thanks for the responses.

 

x2
I believe that DSMS has them as a option, but aren't necessary.

 

1st Gen Tacoma Front 5100s do NOT come with or use a boot (they have a kind of deflector shield to help keep debris from the seal).

2nd Gen Tacoma Front 5100s DO come with a boot to use.

 

Thanks, for clearing that up, I was a little miffed as to why some had them and some didnt.

 

What's your opinion on boot effectiveness? Yay or nay?

 

I personally never run boots. In deep mud/water the rubber boots just trap a bunch of junk in them. If you don't do that kind of stuff then they work good.

If it is the hard plastic boot that is more of a shroud, those are a good design.