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TURNKEY's avatar
TURNKEY
Explorer
Apr 21, 2014

Which way to lean a shock

I am in the process of installing Mobile Outfitters Shock Kit.
http://store.ripvanwinklecampgrounds.com/rvw/details.php?ITEM=5728155
I've got the plates installed then I tried to figure out which way to lean the shocks????? Do I lean them towards the shackles and equalizer like / ^ \, or do I lean them away \ ^ /.
Mobile outfitters YouTube video says away, factory installs I've seen lean towards.

What makes sense is to mount them where they will be subjected to the most differential movement so as to be able to provide the most shock absorption, therefore as vertical as practicable makes sense but there still has to be some lean given how the kit is made. I've looked at it several times and keep convincing myself to change my mind. I would love others opinions. (another option is to lean opposite ends in different directions like on a truck, but I believe manufactures do this to stop wheel hop on a powered axle)
Trailer is a conventional leaf spring dual axle fifth wheel. I have already upgraded to an EZ Flex with wet bolt kit.
Thanks

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  • dclark1946's avatar
    dclark1946
    Explorer
    Apr 22, 2014
    Our KZ Spree factory option dealer installed shocks lean toward the equalizer for both axles

    Dick
  • TURNKEY's avatar
    TURNKEY
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    That is correct, vertical is not an option both because the "ears" are bent (but a bfh would fix that) and the shock length requires a less than vertical mounting.
  • big_buford's avatar
    big_buford
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    In theory?

    The tire encounters a bump, the leaf spring flexes straight up. Why would a person want to bias push the chassis forward or aft?


    Not answering your question, I believe the bottom plate that uses the axle U-bolts for bottom shock mount have bent ears on each side to mount shock. You can mount them one way or the other. No straight up and down available.
  • TURNKEY's avatar
    TURNKEY
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    But the spring does not go straight up. One end is fixed and it is curved, therefore the axle moves up and towards the mobile end of the spring....the shackle end...BUT when you also consider the equalizer's action it gets me confused.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    In theory?

    The tire encounters a bump, the leaf spring flexes straight up. Why would a person want to bias push the chassis forward or aft?
  • TURNKEY's avatar
    TURNKEY
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    Towards was my original plan until I saw the Mobile Outfitters Video which leans away.....if you consider the pivoting action of the equalizer will be lifting and lowering the shackle mounts at the same time the springs are elongating........Hence my confusion
    Turnkey
  • big_buford's avatar
    big_buford
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    I would guess towards? I'm no expert but would think the spring will also lengthen during its travel towards the shackle, other side is mounted solid. Which fits with your theory of shock using the more of it's travel.
  • TURNKEY's avatar
    TURNKEY
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2014
    My camber will be neutral. I'm asking about fore and aft lean or caster

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