nix4x4

What's the advantage, if any? On some of the more "extreme" built trail rigs, I've seen the shocks mounted upside down w/o boots. I understand the no boot thing, but what about the upside down thing?

CyMoN

some shocks are made that way I bought some edelbrock shocks that where reverse

nix4x4

Yeah I figured that you can mount the rears either way,
but the fronts would have to be specially made that way.
So, if they make them special to be mounted the other way,
what is the advantage?

Matt16

Less unsprung mass? If they have an external reservoir mounted to the frame, then the shock body would have to be mounted topside.

AppleJack

Don't mount the shock upside down unless it's designed for it. I was curious too and mounted my procomp es 6000 upside down, and WOW, what a harsh ride. I didn't figure it out for something like 4 months, because I did it when I lifted my '81, and thought that it was just the new leaf springs. You wouldn't think that it would make a difference, but it does.

CC_yota

Are we talkin' body up or body down?

nix4x4

body up

Jay351

All I know is some shocks are made to be installed " upside down", And shock boots cause rust!

dirtoyboy

monotube shocks can be mounted upside down....

twin tubes cannot

dirtoyboy

unsprung weight is negligible from mounting upside down

4Rocker

Mounting shocks upside down might screw with the valving in them and change their ride properties.