Pitman arm dust boot question

[Trevor B]

I pulled the old boot off as it was cracking, killing it completely in the process.
There is a metal ring at the bottom of the skirt that differentiates it from tie rod end boots I had lying around. So I ordered a complete set from Year One, knowing I'd have to get to the ball joints eventually: 1966-74 A B E-Body Rubber Front Suspension Seal Set

They arrived today and the set includes 5 identical boots for the tie rod ends and the Pittman arm! No metal ring! And these boots feel kinda cheapy to me - definitely thinner rubber than stock.

How important is that ring, anyway?

Thanks.

 

[4spdragtop]

I would say its important, its moving when your steering. Order from any one other than Year One

 

[AJ/FormS]

I think those metal retainer rings are early BJ specific;they keep water out.
I imagine that on the up-pointing pins they might be a tad less important.
When assembled, the No-ring boots are pretty tight tho. So IDK; 6of these /half dozen of those kindof thing. My Year-One no-rings have been on there since 1999/125,000 miles.Lotsa grease I guess.My arms are 73s

The more I think about it, the more I think those retained boots came on the up pointing pins. Same idea;keeps water out.

 

[krazykuda]

The metal ring is not as important as keeping the water, dirt, and crap out of the joint. It's better to use an all rubber one than one with a tear or none at all...

Most of the boots do not have metal rings...

 

[AJ/FormS]

^^^What he said

 

[TrailBeast]

I have found that most of the time that ringed part of the boot won't stay where it's supposed to anyway.
Tight fit and enough grease should be just fine, and the poly boots are nice, thick and tight.

 

[AJ/FormS]

^^ Are you fixated on something today? lol