Why Didn't My Shocks Come With Boots?

If you're wondering are shock boots required, we have your answer. It depends on the manufacturer of your shocks.

All of our shocks are high quality direct bolt-in OEM replacements, but occasionally a manufacturer will sell a shock that does not come with a boot, even when the OEM shocks did use boots. This is OK and the shock can be installed without a boot, or with the OEM boot reused.

A shock dust boot is used to protect the shock rod from rocks and other debris, particularly on the highway, so in many cases manufacturers determine that the boot is unnecessary because the shock is protected by other suspension components. This is often the case with struts and coil over shocks, where the spring helps protect the shock rod from rocks.

So, are shock boots required? Shocks can be run without boots and will function perfectly. In fact, many offroaders who deal with large amounts of mud will recommend not using boots at all because boots can trap mud against the shock rod and over time can cause pitting in the rod or lead to failure in the seal. This is only a problem with extreme offroad machines, but it illustrates the fact that boots are an extra protection for shocks and are not absolutely essential.

If your shocks did not come with boots and you would like to add them, you can buy a universal shock boot here.