Inverted shocks

[FullMetalJeep]

I see a lot of rigs in the mags and some even in the cja with the shocks mounted upside down. even in the RC crawler world guys are doing the same thing... someone told me what the characteristics where of doing it this way but i cant remember. so you guys with this set up please tell me what the characteristics of mounting your shocks in this manor are. thanks.

[Gearhead]

It's not unusual to see larger than stock diameter shock bodies on lifted vehicles. When combined with the stubby mounting brackets found on stock axles , the result is dented shock bodies , often when the vehicle gets flexed more than what it would see from driving to the mall. Flipping the shock so the shaft is inverted , saves the body of the shock from damage when it is forced against the axle tube.
 

Not all shocks can be inverted and work properly.

[esi]

I had a set of procomp exp res shocks on the back of my Z invert mounted to keep the res up and out of the way, the seals were starting to leak so I took them off to send back for warranty and not thinking put a set of Fabtechs on the same way. The inertia valving on the fabtechs doesn't work that way and it sounded like the diff was hitting the frame over every little bump. A quick turn around and they worked like they were supposed to . My thoughts on the inverted mounting is that it keeps the body up out of the way, and in theory it should lessen the unsprung weight, shifting it to the sprung side. It should also let the shock clean the  shaft off as it travels, instead of pushing the crap up, then letting it fall or ooze back down the shaft. Just my $0.02

[JackstandJohnny]

i agree with both..... my YJ has inverted shocks, and i assume its so they dont' smack the rear diff........... i like it, they work fine........

[Bnine]

Gas shocks can flip, oil shocks cant.

Its just a clearence thing.