Wierd stuff I noticed about my stock suspension

[Natty]

I was washing my stock 1991 LE Fastback today and I noticed something. The springs are really old and have this rubber "hose" like stuff wrapped around the coils that is starting to "rot off." Anyone know what this is and what it does?
Oh, and some seals on the strut seem to be deteriorating. I can see the inside of the strut. Should there be a rubber boot over some of it?
Thanks,
Jeff

[Bolo]

Those rubber hoses prevent the coils from rubbing metal to metal against the perch.  If you notice your suspension sqeaking, you might want to replace those.  And those other seals are dust covers for the struts.  You should be fine without them.

Rudy

[gsu240]

actually if you drive in a dusty or dirty enviroment a lot, like a long gravel driveway in my case, you might want to replace those boots on your struts.  
if you don't mind putting up with a squeaking noise from springs you dont need to replace those cusions on the springs but you might as well do it if you replace the boots.

just my 2 cents