Today I installed HD Bilstein Shocks Front-BE5-2818, Rear-BE5-2819. I took out the ranchos and the boot was to the top but when I tried to install the bilsteins they would not go on with the boot to the top. They wouldn't go on because the top mount has that metal sleeve as well as the mount on the shock with the boot up. So I put the boot down, does this make a difference on the way the shock will perform? Same problem with the fronts. Also are the new shocks supposed to lift the truck, or will it settle down once they are broken in?

 

The Bilsteins are supposed to be like that. Enjoy 'em!

 

Thanks for the quick reply, was just wondering becuase I read that the boots go up.

 

You will love the shocks on that truck good choice imo

 

I am getting ready to do the same to my 2003 f350 fx4, when you say the boot went down. do you mean the blue plastic cover. Or to say it differently did you invert the shock ?

 

Yes. The Bilsteins go rod end down, cylinder side up. So when the shocks mounted, the rubber boot that covers the rod will be closest to the axle, while the cylinder will be on the shock mount attached to the frame. This is the case both front and rear.