Front 5100 question

Going to install my front 5100's tomorrow night but can't seem to find if you are supposed to leave the black dust shields in the top part of the shock or not? Oh and to be sure I don't want the front higher than the back and I have a 2 inch aal. Thought is setting to make truck perfect level?

 

If it makes a difference it's a dclb and I do have a topper. I don't want rear sag

 

hopefully 2.5 is softer ride than my stock shocks and a spacer lift

 

2.5 will be a little rough. Don't know what spacers ride like as I would never use them. I kept the dust shields on mine. What do you have in the back presently?

 

With spacers, it feels like my teeth ate going to fall out

 

I have 5100s set at 2.5 up front with a 2" aal and topper for the rear. It still has half an inch of rake. Truck rides fine, it no longer floats down the road.

 

How big is the spacer? Is it the type that go above the strut assembly or IN the strut assembly? The max setting on a 5100 with stock springs isn't going to be pleasant.....especially if that's your description of your spacer lift.

 

Got them on at the highest setting and they do ride better than the spacers. i also think my issue is the 10 ply tires !