cheap Strut/shock boots?

[JerkFaceJason]

I recently ran into the dilemma of replacing my old suspension to find that my rubber strut boots had deteriorated after being on the car for 12 (!) years. The struts would not mount correctly without this item, so i had to make due with washers and hope that a rock doesnt blow one of my struts. I went to the nissan stealership to see how much they were and they were outrageously priced 180$ dollars for all 4.

Is there a cheaper boot out there that will work?

[Chernobyl]

Auto parts stores sell universal boots. Usually about $15 each though. I got mine from NAPA for about $10 each. Still, stock ones are a better fit. Many people dont run boots. It really doesn't shorten the life of your struts unless you are always off-roading or something.

[240Driver39]

tirerack sells em for a decent price, thats where i got mine

[misnomer]

Tirerack, ~$10, great fit.

[jy116]

Tirerack sells KYB boots. I ordered some [from KYBwarehouse on Ebay], front fits perfect. Rears dont fit! Part # SB108, the inside of the rear boot bump stop is tapered while stock is stepped [2 separate diameters]. Luckily the guys cool and giving me full refund...

However, Im having trouble finding them online, maybe Ill try Kragens, etc... Most online places stock the KYB ones. How did you make your rears fit Misnomer?

[Agent_S13]

I paid $7 each from a 4x4 place. Just cut them to fit my shock (I didn't do it with the first one but no big deal) cuz they're made for bigger shocks/struts.

Anyway, they were cheap they were in stock and I picked them up that day. The good thing about those 4x4 places, they had different colors but I went with a basic black.

I thought about ordering them online cuz they were like $5 each, but you factor in shipping and wait time and the $7/each were a better deal. They are a bit long but cutting them takes less than a minute and the zip ties cover both ends and fit perfectly on my AGX.

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

[jy116]

link please! the ones I got, I cant really cut. The whole inside is shaped wrong. I thought about a drill, but that wont work on rubber...

[jy116]

Aaron or anyone got a link to a shop that sells the correct rear strut boots?!

I just went to NAPA auto parts and they make their own brand boots. BUT same tapered inside! This sucks... my rear shocks are sitting in my parents garage doing nuthing! The OEM ones are clearly different, theyre just straight through except for a small lip that stops the rubber bumper from sliding all the way down the strut piston...

I know someone has done it right?!?! Link or store recommendation?

[jy116]

O yeah, I could go to the dealer, but they want $50.00. Napa charges $24.00. KYB ones on eBay were only $12.00. But no use if it wont fit! I put it all on and the threads for the lock nut are below the rubber...

[Agent_S13]

I seriously think you're overthinking this. These are just shock boots here. If they are good enough for a 4x4 car, they'll definitely be fine for whatever shock you want to match them with for your car. Cutting them is very easy, they're really soft rubber and yes, the top of the boot is tapered but it'll still fit.

Shock Boots $9.88 a pair (http://www.4wheelparts.com/4wp/products/productLine.asp?prodline=1159&man=PRO&cat=SUS&catName=Suspension#)

Don't buy online --- they have 'em in stock too. Since you're in Berkeley:

4 Wheel Parts
1944 East 12th Street
Oakland, CA 94606

Go pick 'em up today then install 'em. :hs:

-Aaron

[jy116]

o, u mean cutting the rubber bumper shorter to allow the lock nut threads to be above the rubber?! I just thought of that...

I know you said Im overthinking... but i guess its safer to buy the truck ones and cut those cuz cutting the KYB ones might make the rubber bump stop too short and I DO PLAN on driving hard enough to bottom out... Im assuming the truck ones have taller bump stops

Thanks man! Im there! Good lookin out, this is why forums are cool!

[misnomer]

hehe, if this followed my last post a year ago. . . I might remember how the rears went in :P

I could take a look, but I don't get a good view without taking the wheels off

But yeah, it;s not rocket science, get some universals.