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Old 01-08-2009, 08:34 PM   #1
gcburdic
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Did I install my front shocks backwards?

Here's a pic of my install of these shocks that I bought/ installed from CPP back in 2006. I finally brought my truck home about a month ago and noticed a small puddle of an oily substance below the lower passenger a-arm. After trying to locate the leak, I noticed that white bubbles were forming around the shock shaft where it meets the cylinder. did I install these wrong or is the shock going bad?

Thanks for any input....
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Old 01-08-2009, 08:38 PM   #2
spr85gmc
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

up side down i believe
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Old 01-08-2009, 08:59 PM   #3
LONGHAIR
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

"Upside down" mounting is a fairly common thing with shocks that don't have a rigid bell-type cover over the shaft. Some say that there is a performance advantage to be had because of the reduction in un-sprung weight, but on a pick-up truck....are you ever going to notice?
Either way should be fine, depending upon how the internal valving is configured. If they are a true 50/50 or some "velocity sensitive" type, they should work the same either way. If not, their may be some difference.

As far as the leak, it's not a gravity thing. If it leaks upside down, it will right side up too.
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Old 01-09-2009, 12:28 AM   #4
gcburdic
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

Thanks for your responses...I guess I'll try to see if they have any kind of warranty on them since it is leaking.....wish me luck trying to get that done with CPP!!!!
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Old 01-09-2009, 01:22 AM   #5
XXL
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

They look right to me...

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Old 01-09-2009, 09:11 AM   #6
gcburdic
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

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They look right to me...

Ahhhaaaa....I knew they were on upside down!!!

Thanks for the fix XXL....
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Old 01-09-2009, 01:33 PM   #7
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

Upside down is fine...
But
The nice pretty chrome shaft is now more exposed to rock chips (if you drive your truck). Chip and nicks in the shaft will tear the seal and the shock will leak (just add some black shock boots).

Yes un-sprung weight very important, (insert 4 million technical pages of data) but it is a truck that is most likely cruised and not raced...but making people point and wisper is alot of fun too.

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Old 01-13-2009, 02:14 PM   #8
Tony@AirRideTech
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Re: Did I install my front shocks backwards?

it shouldnt matter if they are updise down if it is a hydraulic shock. If it is leaking at the piston shaft she is done.....
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