[BigRay]

Bought a Tough Dog 60mm lift kit, which has some very substantial shocks! They aren't the traditional style with the steel shield over the top (I think you might know what I mean), instead they have just the bare piston shaft and come with rubber boots. These rubber boots rub nearly everywhere on the chassis and was wondering if I would miss them or have any problems if I removed them. The traditional style shocks would let mud in as the shields are not sealed so was thinking that the boots can go?

Thanks,
Ray

[monley]

Get rid of them. Good for fuk all expect for trapping mud

[BigRay]

Awesome, thanks mate, about to walk down to the garage and take them off

[dank]

monley wrote:

Get rid of them. Good for fuk all expect for trapping mud

Good for a dog toy thats about it!! My dog loves shock boots

[BigRay]

Might give them to my dog!

[Harry_]

My rear right has rubbed and split - Good to know I don't need to buy a replacement

[BigRay]

Yeah!!

[murcod]

You may find if you have any warranty issues there could be problems without them fitted. (They should supply the factory fitted style boots that are open at the bottom - so they can drain if anything does get in.)

[Jezza86]

procomp ES3000 abd ES9000 shocks dont even come with boots.

[atari4x4]

i cut the metal ones off the commy shocks, had one crack the spot welds & rattle so they get chopped before fitting.

[murcod]

Jezza86 wrote:

procomp ES3000 abd ES9000 shocks dont even come with boots.

Yes, I was just looking at some Procomp installation instructions for a Nissan lift kit and it shows the shocks with no boots.

Edit: they also say this regarding warranty:

Quote:

Claims not covered under warranty-
• Parts subject to normal wear, this includes bushings, bump stops, ball joints, tie rod ends and heim joints
• Discontinued products at Pro Comp’s discretion
• Bent or dented product
• Finish after 90 days
• Leaf or coil springs used without proper bump stops
• Light bulbs
• Products with evident damage caused by abrasion or contact with other items
• Damage caused as a result of not following recommendations or requirements called out in the
installation manuals
• Products used in applications other than listed in Pro Comp’s catalog
• Components or accessories used in conjunction with other manufacturer’s systems
• Tire & Wheel Warranty as per Pro Competition Tire Company policy
• Warranty claims without “Proof of Purchase”
• Pro Comp Pro Runner coil over shocks are considered a serviceable shock with a one-year
warranty against leakage only. Rebuild service and replacement parts will be available and sold
separately by Pro Comp. Contact Pro Comp for specific service charges.
• Pro Comp accepts no responsibility for any altered product, improper installation, lack of or
improper maintenance, or improper use of our products.

A damaged piston rod and worn seal could fall under that bolded point.

If it was me, I'd be checking with the company regarding warranty coverage with no boots fitted. It appears they did supply boots- which suggests they expect them to be fitted.

[BigRay]

I see what you mean. Since they can potentially create more problems than they prevent and maybe if anything happened you could argue that the boots are a bad design. Since they rub very badly on my chassis mine will be coming off. The shocks should have weather seals above the main seal anyway so should hopefully be fine. Comp trucks don't usually use boots on the shocks.


Ray

[Gwagensteve]

Comp trucks do all sorts of things that aren't appropriate for normal cars.

Whether you should run boots or not depends on a few factors. The primary role of a shock boot is to prevent the shock shaft from being damaged by road debris (nicked by stones, predominantly) Mostly, in a sierra, the regular shocks aren't likely to be damaged from this kind of problem, but mono tube gas shocks, which mount upside down, are much more likely to be damaged by road debris.

Damaged shock shafts will lead to seal failure.

Some, very long shocks have too much stoke in use a boot. (12"travel+)
Boots being chewed up from contact with a chassis or mount aren't an issue. A split or worn boot can still protect the shaft from damage. They're not there to look good.

I don't run boots on my front shocks as they are behind the front axle and out of the way of damage. They are also very long travel shocks and don't tend to hold boots on. My rear shocks are very susceptible shaft damage as they are tucked inside the rear wheels and are shaft down. (upside down) so they run boots.

You won't find a factory 4WD that doesn't run shock boots or steel hoods to protect the shafts. If manufacturers could save the cost of boots/hoods, they absolutely would.

Steve.

[Harry_]

I will still be keeping mine on, but its just good to know that a small split isn't something worth worrying over and making a fuss about fixing.

[BigRay]

My boots are being pushed onto the shafts. Probably won't damage anything but I still don't like it. Will see how I go..

Ray