Metalcloak (Rocksport) Stabilizer Boot replacement

[Yakpimp]

In 2020 I did a bunch of Metalcloak updates to my 2018 JL. One of them was installing this item.
MetalCloak's JL Wrangler JT Gladiator RockSport Front Axle Disconnect Skid Plate Upgrade

Last week while I was crying in my driveway replacing a radiator , I noticed that the boot on the stabilizer looked to be in pretty rough shape. Not only was it torn from the zip-tie side, it also appeared to be splitting at almost all the folds (see pics). I should mention I had some serious coolant misting issues due to the radiator, not sure if that could have impacted the deterioration of the rubber.

I talked to Metalcloak and they said they didn't sell one for this as a stand-alone part, but any standard stabilizer boot should work fine. I was just curious if anyone else has run into similar problems and had a recommendation on boot.

The top one on amazon has the most ratings, but it looks like most people use them for standard shocks not steering stabilizers. I'm not familiar enough to say for sure if it would work.

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[Philly_]

Since a steering stabilizer is essentially the same shape and goes through the same motion as a shock, you should be fine to use a shock boot.

I have no idea which brands would be the most durable, but I had a set of Bilstein 5100's with rubber boots on my JK and they have lasted ~10 years now with no tears or deterioration in Michigan's salty winters. If they sell the boots separately, they may be a good choice.

I think the most important thing is to make sure that the shaft diameter and shock diameter match the boot size you select, and then crank those zip ties down tight with some pliers. ?

 

[jaymz]

As long as the dimensions of the boot are close to the diameter of your stabilizer - anything old boot will work.

 

[Yakpimp]

Thanks. Ordered the one from amazon and will try it out. When I disconnect this to slide the new boot on do I need to do anything to keep the shock compressed or anything? This wasn't installed by me and I'm not sure what precautions need to be used.

 

[jaymz]

Thanks. Ordered the one from amazon and will try it out. When I disconnect this to slide the new boot on do I need to do anything to keep the shock compressed or anything? This wasn't installed by me and I'm not sure what precautions need to be used.

It should stay close to whatever position it's in when you disconnect it. It may make it easier if you turn your wheels all the way to the left so that the stablizer is extended as far as it's going to be.

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