Why does my shock look wrong?

I just installed a Bilstein F4-Be5-D559-T0. It is the driver's side rear shock. It matches the shock I just took off. I have a Skyjacker 2.5" leaf spring.
The boot is extremely compressed and so close to the leaf springs that it is going to get torn at some point. Is this right?

 

Seems like plenty of room to slide the boot up.

 

I think there is a little groove that it sits in at the top though?

 

Not sure about the first gen shocks. But when I had 5100's on rear, there was no groove.

 

I don’t recall there being any groove. It’s just zip tied in place.

 

Does this not have anything to do with the boot?

Also side note: Impact gun threw the socket off and I can't find a bolt. My measurements get me a

$13 M12x1.25 mm Self-Locking Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts, Pack of 6

M12x1.25 20mm length. Is that correct? Anyone know the grade it needs to be?

Thanks

 

I don't believe that's related to the boot.

 

Perfect then I will carefully snip the zip tie and stretch the boot.

 

Look on the inside of the boot and make sure there are no molded in tabs that are supposed to seat in those indentations you are showing on the old shock.

 

Just slide the boot up a little; overthinking it.

Don't use an impact on those bolts. Someone will post the torque rating but it isn't very high.

Just yanked off my 5100s to let someone borrow them 2 days ago

 

Auto parts store only has a M12x25mmx1.25 grade 8 bolt. Will this suffice?

 

Just found an old pic to compare -

 

Ace, Orchard, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

 

Will grade 8 work though or do I need 10?

 

Grade 8 will more than suffice

It's what metric is anyway

 

Yeah, I just can't tell what this bolt is. Just has two lines on it, which is usually a SAE marking.

 

alot of people keep the boots off. they can hold mud and dirt inside them. i ended up cutting mine off to prevent this

 

I agree, looks like the boot needs to be pulled up. I have the Bilstein 5125’s on the rear and when I have the tires rotated, I have to slide the boot back up because it’s compressed like your first pic.
Also, mine does not have a groove, etc., for the upper part of the boot. Just a zip tie.

 

I cut mine off. Doesnt hurt anything, looks cleaner, and it prevents mud from getting in there and building up.

Torque on those bolts is only 53 lb. ft if I remember correctly.

 

Debatable on whether they are upside down..?.. but yeah it looks a little squished, slide the boot up a bit