Shock dust cover
 

When replacing stock shocks/springs with Bilstein/hotchkis, do you reuse the the black dust cover? I can't seem to get it past the spring compressor jaw that protrudes to the inside of the spring. Maybe i just need to reposition the spring compressor.

I had to partially crush mine in, unfortunately. You do reuse it, because at the local parts stores, a replacement is > $20 (WTF)

You don't really need the shock boot, just the metal part at the top of it and the Bumpstop that's in it.

I remember it being a pain to get them through the springs with them compressed. Like you said, I had to fiddle with repositioning the compressor forks ... finally got it done somehow.

Thanks for the replies...It seems it's best to position it inside the spring before you compress.

And if that's not enough I also found a torn boot on the tie rod end and possibly bad hub and I haven't even started the other side or the back yet. :bang:

The back is very easy comparatively.