To Boot or Not - Steering Stabilizer

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I have my RS9000's on, now all I have to do is install the stabilizer, the guy that sold me the stabilizer recommended that I not put the boot on, for smoother/easier function, what do you guys think ?



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2000 2500HD QUADCAB CUMMINS, AUTO WITH 3. 54'S,LB,4x4,ALL OPTIONS MINUS LEATHER,UWS DP TOOL BOX,SPORTMASTER CUSTOM MADE SOFT TONNEAU,CARR STEP, VENTVISOR, 305/70/16 PRO COMP'S, RANCHO RS9000, PATRIOT BLUE/DRIFTWOOD

 

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I don't really think that rubber boot has the strength to bind up the power steering system. The secondary stabilizer on my '96 gasser has the tear marks to prove my theory.

Brian

 

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Just make sure you add a drain hole(s) so it does not capture water and keep it. I've heard some say a boot is worse than not, but after seeing the incredible dusting every vehical I have ever taken off road in Baja gets, I'd rather have one than not. Dust = grit if it gets past the wiper on shocks. Enough dust over time WILL get past the wiper. Especially when it's flying right out in the open like the steering damper is on our trucks. As always, jmo...

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2001 HO 6 speed Regular Cab SLT 4x4 3. 54 anti spin 2500. Used for the daily grind and sneaking away to some secret Baja beaches toting a cabover

 

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My replacement stablizer came with a boot that wouldn't stay in place so I cut it off. No problems for 60k. My thinking is with the other posts here,the boot may trap more dirt and water than it keeps out.

 

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Boots are a conspiracy propogated by the shock industry to sell more shocks! The debate has raged for years on 4 wheeling websites, and MOST everybody agrees that boots are BAD, BAD, BAD! They trap dirt and water, causing accelerated wear, worse than even that which occurs in wet, dusty or muddy conditions. Even drain holes are no good, as they not only allow dirt and water out, they allow them IN!

Skip the boot. But, opinions are like a***oles: everybody has one, and they ALL stink! #ad

YMMV


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Scott Collins
'98 Ram 2500 4x4 12 Valve Cummins.
Renton, WA

 

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I always run shocks and stabilizers without boots. They cost extra (sometimes) and get nasty, inside and out. I wouldn't worry about wearing out the seals, Ranchos are gaurenteed anyway.

Pete

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'97 2500 CC 4X4 5spd Sport
'83 K5 Blazer 350 TBI (ex 6. 2), 39. 5 TSLs, 3" lift, Dana 60/GM 14 blt, Detroits

 

[Archive]

I run them just for looks, but add holes to the bottom. Just for good measure,I slide them off of the cyl. body and wash them out with a water hose.

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