Although most shocks are designed to operate with the cylinder up or down, it’s still best to have them installed the right way. Your shocks play an important role in protecting you while you are driving, and you don’t want to leave anything to chance. It is easy for an untrained mechanic to mount shocks the wrong way.
How do you mount a rear shock on a Ford F-150?
The correct way to install it is with the boot on top and the logo facing the correct way. Above is Bilstein rear shock 33-187419 for the 2009-2013 Ford F-150. The shock has 12mm eyes on each end, so it could be mounted either way. The correct way to mount it is as shown with the boot down and the label facing so it is not upside down.
Does it matter which way I Mount Bilstein shocks?
28. May 2014 Marc Suspension Parts (0) Does it matter which way I mount my Bilstein shocks? Bilstein shocks often come with the same size mounting eyes on each end. We often get asked "Can I mount them with the shock boot up, does it matter which side is facing up?" The majority of Bilstein shocks mount with the boot on the top of the shock.
Can the piston be used up and down on a shock?
On a monotube shock, the piston can be used up and down. Most cases it's better down, (like on race cars which use monotubes) So Bilstein, KYB engineers and others will do this when it's better. You can't do that on a twin tube low pressure (1960's tech) design.
Can You bolt up the piston on a twin tube shock?
On a monotube shock, the piston can be used up and down. Most cases it's better down, (like on race cars which use monotubes) So Bilstein, KYB engineers and others will do this when it's better. You can't do that on a twin tube low pressure (1960's tech) design. The shocks will only bolt on one way in most cases.
Does it matter which way your shocks are installed?
Although most shocks are designed to operate with the cylinder up or down, it's still best to have them installed the right way.
Can you mount shocks upside down?
Some people say that monotube or gas pressurize shocks can be mounted upside down, however in time they will develop and extra inch or more of piston travel that has little to no dampening effect whatsoever. Ultimately: don't mount shocks upside down just because it looks cool.
Why do people install shocks upside down?
Sometimes a shock must be mounted upside down due to space limitations, or to protect the shock body, if this is the case, make sure you use a shock designed to be mounted upside down.
Which way do you install rear shocks?
Before installing a new shock absorber it is recommended to manually pump them 3 to 5 times. When you do that, make sure the shock is oriented the way it will be in the vehicle, top side up.
Should you use shock boots?
0:403:18Should you use shock boots - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the boot obviously provides a good layer of protection. Some communities where they put salt onMoreSo the boot obviously provides a good layer of protection. Some communities where they put salt on the road the boot provides a layer of protection to keep the salt off the shaft of the shock as well.
How do you put shock boots on?
0:011:31How to Install E-Z-GO Shock Boots - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOn the shock boots you will notice a slip this indicates the top of the boot. Now slide the bootMoreOn the shock boots you will notice a slip this indicates the top of the boot. Now slide the boot cover over the shock as shown. Using a zip tie secure. The top of the boot cover to the shock.
Why do shocks have to be mounted upside down?
Sometimes a shock must be mounted upside down due to space limitations, or to protect the shock body, if this is the case, make sure you use a shock designed to be mounted upside down. The others are correct, it may make a difference if the shocks are installed upside down.
What happens if a shock is not full of oil?
If a shock is not "full of oil" it will cavitate if ran upside down and you will have not control forces of the oil moving through the valving.
Can you mount a dual tube shock upside down?
As a rule, dual tube shocks should never be mounted upside down.
Can water collect inside an upside down shock?
i'm sure water and mud could collect inside an upside down shock. .. ... Most shocks are designed to operate with the cylinder down and the rod up. Mounting the cylinder up aides drivability buy keeping the main weight of the shock connected to the body with less weight on the axles.
Does gas shock matter?
It does not matter with gas charged shocks, it only matters with oil charged shocks. With oil charged the oil will go down, and this can change the valving of the shock if its upside down.
Can you run dual shocks?
One piece of advice… don’t run dual shocks just because they look cool, OK? However, if you get frequent heat-induced shock fade and don’t have the budget for reservoir or bypass shock absorbers, you may benefit from running a dual or triple shock setup. However, this doesn’t mean that you just slap another set (or two) of shocks in addition to your existing ones. You should get a set of more lightly valved shock absorbers to replace the ones you have now. Do the homework and figure out how much absorbing your shocks need to do before you add some more, that is unless you don’t like the fillings in your teeth.
Can shocks run up?
Go with the manufacturers instructions. Some shocks are designed to run either way and others are not. I called on mine after we had a thread similar to this one. I have Gas Shocks............They are designed to run body down, not up.