Rancho shock installation direction

[timster]

Which way do you install rancho shocks?

1. With the rubber sleeve at the top
(This means there are 4 holes at the top through which dirt and water can get inside the rubber sleeve)

or

2. With the rubber sleeve at the bottom
(This means the 4 holes are on the bottom, but the name and numbers are upside down suggesting the shock is installed upside down)

[pig75]

Mine have the boots at the top I think they need the holes to breathe; I have never had a problem with mine.
Also the fronts have to have them this way

[timster]

There are two holes in the sleeve near the middle of the shock absorber as well. But having the four holes at the top would let dirt and water come in contact with the piston. So wouldn't this eventually cause leaks?