That stupid boot will fill with mud and then ruin the seal on the shock. I removed mine after about 6 months of being on and it was full of mud.
My shock is toast, it has about 3-4 inches of play in and out. This is what the shock is supposed to absorb (bumpsteer).
I even tried to ensure that the boot "holes were aligned to allow proper drainage... Nope, shock ruined.
The boot serves no purpose other than asthetics in the location it resides, and you can't even see it with the stock or SR plates. Take it off, or replace the shock every summer.
Psst, and oils will drain all over it during oill changes and make that pretty red boot quite sexy once it's covered in brown oil.
Kennedy