no, they were not taped shut. mine had the stapled plastic bag but only had the top nut nothing else not even a sticker.. seems like the treads at the top are not enough, unlike the stock ones about a 1/2 inch longer than the lakewoods. if the lakewoods had the same treads it would not be a problem. i had a problem with the back 50/50 because they are made for a fox body called lakewood and they had no fix for it but they will sell you the shocks and tell you they will work if you dont mind how sloppy the top fits becuse of the hole size. so i made my own bushing that centered the shock so it would not move, but i dont think i should have to make anything for the 70/30 strut becuse its supposed to be a direct replcement. thanks for your time.