Just installed KYB AGX shocks with Tein S-Tech spring. But didn't put any dust boots in whatsoever. My buddy says its not important. I only plan to use the car for road driving. Would the rain, dirt, brake dust get into the shock? I took some pictures and will post them soon, when I have some time. The drop is nuts! I need to know if I need dust boots because I will be aligning the front wheels soon.

 

well they should be important. Even tho I didn't order special dust boots for my new KYB struts...I put some on anyway...at the last minute. I went to autozone and got some rack and pinion dust boots that looked about the right size. I had to cut one end of the dust boot...and used tie-wraps to secure both ends. They are still working fine...but I'd recommend you use them. Dust can interfere with the seal that keeps the struts from leaking. For $5 per strut..I'm happy.

 

Great idea izzydig...do you remember what size you got at Autozone?

 

I do not believe that you can use dustboots with coilovers.

 

Running without dustboots is not good IMHO. What makes shocks start leaking is when dirt, mud, etc gets into the shaft of the strut. You can make dustboots fit under coilovers, you just need to find some thin boots and/or be creative with stock sized boots.

LEMAR

 

I should have said that you cannot use STOCK or UNMODIFIED boots w/ coilovers...

 

before my max, i did the 4X4 thing, and there was a bunch o' people who took the dust boots off their shocks because they thought that the boots would trap and hold dirt inside and kill the shock sooner than if you just washed 'em off regularly.
something to think about.

 

Many high-articulation suspension systems in 4x4 vehicles do not have dust boots. The rockcrawlers and boggers often run without them, but we do have ot remember that those guys often blow their shock often due to use, not wear ot dirt, so longevity is not a concern for them.

Also, extreme applications do not have dustboots available.

I do see your point, however.

 

How would one go about washing the shock? Would taking a sponge to the piston be good? I hope water doesn't get thru the seal. And, about how long should one wash the shock? I am a noobie, and have lot of questions, but thanks for your help.

 

I don't remember. You may have to just look through their selection, and guess. The ones I got had one end that fit the shaft of the strut pretty good...but the other end had a hole the size of a tie rod. That end I cut, and used tie wraps (which were included with the dust boot kit) on both ends to secure and seal the boot. I think they'll hold up for their purpose, but the rubber is very flexible and somewhat thin. My oem boots were in a ragged condition...torn...pieces missing...but i think the oem ones were noticeable thicker.

 

Humm how are you going to wash the shock? Are you able to get to the shock when the car is sitting level? Can you touch the spring with your hand?

 

hmmm i got ground control coilovers, and my stock dustboots are shot... what should i do?