Stupid question about dust boots on shocks

OK, I feel bad about asking this stupid question, but I was wondering if it's possible to remove the ugly plastic dust boots on my front bilstein 5100's while on the vehicle?

I've decided I'd like them gone because I'm a man child and don't like the look of the fugly black boot. I had a shop install the shocks, so I don't know if I can simply use needle nose pliers to get in between the coils and yank or if the whole assembly needs to be taken apart to remove them.

thanks and sorry for the stupid question...I'm embarrassed lol

 

I don't see why not as long as you consider they are there to protect the shaft and seals. I run my shocks bare on my truck. But i also replace them at each tire change. For these new expensive suspension upgrades I would like some sort of protection covering the shaft.

 

Absolutely can be done.

Some would argue it SHOULD be done because those things can trap moisture. I run my shocks without them.

You'll probably need some snips, scissors, or a box cutter to get them off.

 

They are there for a reason - protection. But what kind of protection? If your rig doesn't see a lot of sea water, excessive gravel roads, large rocks, etc, then they are not really protecting anything. I removed them from my Bilstein's simply because they bound up oddly from lots of high and low articulation. Keep them clean, especially at the seals and you shouldn't have any issues.

 

Yeah, and as Nimby said above; they're known for trapping in moisture and fine debris, which often ends up causing more harm than good. I've always removed them, and recommend others I know to remove them (live in the Midwest though, so see a lot of rain, snow, mud, etc...)

But realize this conversation may be moot as the OP was over year ago.

 

Try to bump up this thread. I actually am in an opposite dilemma. I installed 5100 myself and thought the boot cover is useless. But lately I realize there is washer on top of the boot. Could that washer be used to hold the black rubber thing? Am I supposed to put in back on?