Which way should my new shocks be positioned, I've seen them on other jeeps in both directions, piston pointing down or up?

 

depends on the shock. they are typically can up or can down specific.

 

I didnt have a choice... the ends were different on my Bilsteins.. the rear upper has a bar pin, bottom is standard.. front top is threaded and bottom standard.

 

yup, like i said, shocks are typically can up or can down specific - front to back and even if they come from the same manufacturer.

 

How can a shock be a universal up or down model?

 

Compression and Rebound valving is the same.

 

The big question is...what shocks do you have?

 

I have the skyjacker nitro shocks, and the rear shocks look like they can be installed either way; that's why I was wondering, because I have seen them installed both ways, just was wondering what is correct if it matters one way or the other; and whether the ride is different?

 

Most gas shock can go can up or down, I personally like can down, I can deal with a dented can. Screwed up rod, notsomuch.

 

I have them with the cans down; so I'll keep them that way. I'm having a rough ride issue, and I'm trying to find the fix. Tire pressure is not to high (set at 30 to 32 psi), I was told it might be the nitro shocks, should have went with the hydro; plus might look into switching to a smaller rim size ( i have the stock 17's with the wrangler SA tires still).