I've noticed some shocks are installed with the piston tube facing down and others with the tube up. Some with a boot others without.

I can see the benefit of installing it with the piston rod pointing up and with a boot on, especially if road debris is an issue. But I love the look of the bare piston rod facing downward on the rear shocks.

So what determines which way the shock is installed? Can some be ordered either way??

What brands are available with the piston rod on the bottom??

 

for the fronts, it is the way they are made. I dont know of any stock-style front shocks that are built to be installed rod down. The rears can be mounted either way. Mine are rod down, no boots. (boots hold to much crap and IMO corrode the shaft prematurely so I dont use them)

Most rear shocks come with the bar pin pre-installed so it kinda takes the guesswork out of which way to install them. Hydro shocks go can side down.

Try this thread: Rear shock orientation?

 

Thanks.. I'll check that out. Do you have boots on your front shocks?? Looked at your albums and can't see the fronts..

 

No, i dont use the boots.

 

On second thought... My old rubicon express shocks... i think the front ones where piston down, IIRC. I need to look at some old pics to jog my memory though.


Old front shocks with can on top.

Attachment 203848

 

Any idea which shocks can be can side up??

Skyjacker Nitro
Bilstein
??

 

can see the rod on front (current) TeraFlex shock in this pic:

 

No, i am sorry i dont. this isnt something i ever looked into.

 

It depends on the brand some are up some are down. Fox shocks can up front and back.

 

The new Rancho RS9000XL adjustables are body side down both front and rear.