Title says it all. In my research for rear shock replacement (both here & other sites) I have seen comments referencing both ways. Is there a right or wrong?

 

Depends on the shock, manufacturer should specify.

 

My 5100's for the rear are Boot Down.

Bilstein says mount them so you can read the label on the tube.

 

typically you want the boots up so they are less likely to get snagged or damaged.

you'll find struts are mounted this way as well

in fact there might even be a slight difference in the width of the ends or difference in the bolts such as to force it to be one way or the others. but most often I recall boots go up.

as per the other post - shock maker should specify a required orientation. typically for example you'll see that the labels and the like or oriented to where they can only be read one way.

 

LIke this ^

 

I had the same question when I got my Bilstein 5100. Watched the install video on Stage 3 Motorsports web site.. They installed them with boots down.

 

Since shocks with shields are mounted with the shields on top and the purpose of the boots is to protect the piston and seal the same as the shield common sense tells me boots up. unless for vanity you want the world to see and marvel at your new boots.

 

IIRC 4600 and 5100s are boot down

 

yup I believe its in the install instructions somewhere... but I would have done it anyway to allow any potential water to drain out.

 

Interesting answers Even though the question was generic in nature I just purchased the 5100's.