one last question. i didn't get a dust boot with the ram. i have to replace everything this weekend but won't have the boot until next week. i suppose it wouldn't hurt anything to disconnect the ram and install the dust boot later.

 

There is supposed to be that amount of play in the ball stud without the hydraulics working.

The ball stud is mounted under spring tension inside the bushing. The bushing assembly is mounted under tension to the spring under the end cap. The 1/8" of play you are feeling is the amount of free movement in both of the springs before they bind and bottom out. It is supposed to be that way.

You can add the stretch boot later, but I would avoid letting the cylinder rod get any dirt or moisture on it or it will start to damage the rod seals. Make sure the boot kit you get also has the metal spacer tube in it that goes over the rod end and through the rubber bushings. Without it, the rod end will be damaged from the frame mount bracket.

 

i rechecked and it does come with the spacer your talking about.