5100 question

Do you have to use the black plastic protector sleeves that cover the shock shafts, or can you omit these during install? I've seen some with, some without, some people say you do, some don't. I would rather not use them, but they have a little metal washer in the top and didn't know if this piece was crucial for a proper install.

 

Leave them on, they protect the shock shafts from debris.

I agree with you that they look cooler without but functionality has always taken a first row seat over looks in my book.

 

+3 on using the boots. You're not gonna be any more popular and no one will really care or look under there to see if the boots aren't there. No one is gonna say wow, cool, you have bare shock shafts & chicks could care less. They just make the shocks last longer.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Now if I could only find that missing boot... Looks like I'll be in contact with Bilstein for a replacement.

 

That is the only toss up reason to go without them. Didn't think about that being an issue but still think it'll be worth the wait to get one. Or at least score a pr of some other kind from some local parts place that would work. Wonder if the blue ones off oem TRD bilsteins would work or if body is bigger around to not work?

 

Thanks T@co. I'll prolly just order me another boot from Bilstein. I have no idea what happened to the other one. Brand new in the box, we move, and now one boot short. weird...

 

Just called Bistein and they are sending one free of charge.

 

I was kind of thinking they might do that. Congrats!