1999 XLT 2wd Ford Ranger Upper Control Arm Bushing Dust Covers

[SRD]

Hello. I purchased 2 upper control arms with ball joints for my 1999 XLT 2WD ford ranger 3.0 gas light duty truck. Ford indicated the original control arms are "Discontinued".

My questions is how important are the dust covers for the boots? I received a set in the mail and one set has a broken Dust Cover. I am in Las Vegas dust is everywhere so I am not sure how impriotatnt these are to the install or if I need to repalce the cover/arm entirely?

I tried taking some time to look for a dust cover replacement but cant seem to locate anyone selling just that piece.

Any information will be appreciated I replaced lower ball joints factory ones OK no issues but I am not a Pro and really only work on my own cars/trucks.

Thanks again!

 

[pjtoledo]

are you talking about the plastic shipping protector?
the flexible rubber boots are all that belongs there when installed.

 

[SRD]

Ok, I was under that initial impresion but the ad said "Superior Dust Covers for Superior Protection" and had a pic of the caps...so I was confused.

I take it they are shipping caps and I am just paranoid....finally found video where a giuy takes them off before install same ones I bought but took time to locate a reference...

Thanks for the help!
SRD