Any inputs on just how important the front strut boots are? I know they serve a purpose but in removing the 40 year old factory struts the top nut was so seized I just wound up pulling the brace (replacing both braces anyway) and strut as one through the opening. Problem is without cutting it all off the boot is also stuck. I see plenty of jacked up trucks without so just curious…do I need to spend $40 on this thing?

 

They are not necessary in general. I don't believe any of the aftermarket style strut mounts are even compatible with any boots from any strut vendors.

 

Just get some cheap shock boots from Rancho, Skyjacker, Pro Comp, etc. I don't like running without having some kind of guard or boot, I have had shocks ruined (not on a 3rd gen) from rocks and debris damaging the piston rod.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ts-and-bellows

 

Ha, I did save it (wasn't sure). There is a post here about using a R&P boot, Moog #K150286. A search with that number should bring up the thread.

I concur with the others that post that it is best to use a boot/bellows.

RBob.

 

Yeah, they're not "necessary" in the sense that you'll get some kind of ultimate failure if you don't use em; but if you drive in places where sand can get up in there, then they'll at least help keep some of it out of the seals at the top of the struts, which would get chewed up over time by having to deal with it.

And yes, there are various boots you can get for shocks, steering stabilizers, etc. other than "stock for these cars", that you can use as "raw material" to make up something. It's not really rocket surgery or anything. It's just a kind of umbrella thing hanging down over the exposed portion of the strut shaft.

 

I need some too...

 

I used these on the KONI front struts, with what these things cost the shock boots hopefully will get me a little longer life on these struts.

 

Did you have to modify them?
I have some new Konis that I have yet to install...

 

The boots fit pretty snug over the strut body, the top close to the upper strut support I left it loose, the boot fitting snug over the strut body and a large tie wrap I felt was enough to hold it in place

 

Looks great. Do you know the part number? There are so many different ones on the Summit website...

 

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ran-rs1952

 

on my nissan (only struts i've ever rebuilt[i'd advised complete struts if possible]) the after market boots didn't even seal on both ends, i assume they are for dirt avoidance?

 

That's really all they are their for, to keep the machined shaft of the strut from accumulating dirt.