Lowering springs + KYB strut boot..can i use them?

[d1giPhux]

I've never ran strut boots while using my Eibach springs / KYB GR-2s. However, I was thinking it may be a good idea to install them this time as it may prolong the life of the struts.

These are the KYB strut boots I was looking at:

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/susp ... toModClar= (http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/suspension.jsp?make=KYB&model=Strut+Boot&group=Strut+Boot&partNum=SB103&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Legacy+GT+2.5+Sedan&autoYear=1999&autoModClar=)

It says they INCLUDE a 'integrated compression bumper'.. does this mean they include a bump stop?

Would I not be able to use these with lowered suspension / the cut bump stop I already have?

Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Looking to rebuild my suspension soon and wondering if I should pick these up for both the front and rears.

EDIT:

Here are some pictures of what the strut boots look like:

http://www.kyb.com/technical/faq/images/strut_boot_mount.jpg

Looks like you would have to cut the bump stop off or something. I'm not sure. Maybe its not worth even bothering with boots..

[Navi271]

"Integrated compression bumper" definitely means bump stop and by looking at the picture there, the top part of the boot is definitely the bump stop, and it's actually part of the boot. The only part of the bump stop you'd be able to cut off is that top part, and I doubt you'd be able to use this with the cut bump stop you already have, unless you can someone find a way to cut out the integrated bump stop on the new boots.

Actually, I have some never used KYB strut boots and bump stops I got on kybshocksonline.com. I bought them for my bilsteins before I knew they have an internal bump stop! I'll have to find them if you want them. Let me know if you're interested.

[d1giPhux]

Yeah, i don't think i'll be able to use boots with a bump stop built in. Because I'm running Eibach springs, i have to run the cut bump stop. We'll.. good to know I cant use these at least! Guess I'll have to keep running my suspension without a boot!

[Huffer]

There's no reason you can't use these. They go inside the spring and over the shock. Just like the factory boot. If you wanted to use those specific ones, you'd just slice the boot part off.

They probably won't send you those specific ones because they'd be incompatible with the strut on the BD/BG anyway.

[d1giPhux]

Well..you mean id have to slice the bump stop off right?

I wonder what the BD/BG ones look like.. anyone have a pic? See the thing is, I already have a cut bump stop. I just thought having a boot over the strut may increase its life span..

[Navi271]

I'll try to get a picture or 2 this weekend for ya

[d1giPhux]

Yeah, if you could get some pictures.. that would be awesome! :smt023

[Huffer]

I wonder what the BD/BG ones look like.. anyone have a pic? See the thing is, I already have a cut bump stop. I just thought having a boot over the strut may increase its life span..

They look like what you posted originally. Just without the bump stop. It's just an accordian-style plastic sleeve that hangs off the strut top. Nothing fancy.

[d1giPhux]

So they don't have a built in bump stop then?

[Huffer]

No.

[d1giPhux]

Weird.. the description says they do. Must be a generic description. Will be interesting to see how they look once he uploads the pictures!

[Huffer]

Stock replacement from Moog or similar:
http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=227311&imageurl=http%3A//info.rockauto.com/Moog/K90462_TOP.jpg

$12. Don't waste anymore of your time on debating the issue... ;)

[d1giPhux]

Okay, cool man.. thanks! I think I will just run without the boot then. Doesn't look like the boot would want to stay on like that regardless and would probably let stuff in!

[Navi271]

No need for pics from me! They look exactly like that.

[Huffer]

Okay, cool man.. thanks! I think I will just run without the boot then. Doesn't look like the boot would want to stay on like that regardless and would probably let stuff in!

Say what? The factory boot hangs down from the strut top, inside the spring and outside the strut. It stops dirt from building up on the strut housing, particularly the part that slides in and out. It keeps it pretty clean.