Bilstein 5100 04 tacoma rear

Hey guys need advice , I have a 2004 tacoma and im putting Bilstein 5100 all the way around ( front 1.75 hight rear 1 inch blocks ) Here is the question for the rear shocks , I noticed allot of the guys are running the rear without the boot and others are running with the boot . I think it really does look cool without the boot but but I would think the shock would last longer with boot on and yes I will be playing in the mud allot and flexing the axles so mud and dirt may get in the shock more . So should I use the boot or will I be ok running without . Also im used to installing shocks with boot on top but I see that on Tacoma s the boot ( shaft side ) installed on the axle .

 

Ditch the boot. They just collect mud and crap.

As for shaft up or down, I dont think it matters with the bilsteins. Some shocks it does though.

 

Thanks for the feed back , installed them last weekend and omg , what a huge difference , so smooth and better handling . I did ditch the boots and I put the shaft on the differential . But I noticed b4 I installed them my driver side leaf pack is bowing up a little by a half an inch . so now have to get them re arched .