Rear shock location

[mjensen]

Okay, I'm struggling with how I should mount the rear shocks now that I've replaced my rear axle. The new style as everyone knows has the driver's side facing forward, and the passenger side facing rearward. My issue is that I don't think I can mount the passenger side aft because of my fuel tank. So, am I stuck just locating both shocks forward again?

[paintman]

I'm going to tag along on this one. I never understood why the newer trucks have staggered shocks. Is it a geometry issue with how the rear travels up and down, or is it just for design/space issues under the bed. I never understood why if staggering shocks like they do has a benefit, why wouldn't you see it more on race cars. Do the off road race trucks have staggered shocks? I have never taken a close look.

[mjensen]

Based upon my research, the staggered shocks where implemented to reduce wheel hop in muscle cars. On leaf spring suspended trucks I've also read that it was designed to help with axle wrap due to weaker springs (designed for better ride quality). I don't believe Fords use the staggered shock design because they have heavier springs.

Based upon my research, I think that I'm just going to run a non-staggered setup like the stock truck for 2 reasons 1- my truck won't be a power house or race truck and 2- I don't think I'll have the room in the rear with my big tank.