Which way to lean a shock

The results are in.
We just came back from a trip to Utah from Saskatchewan.
I had installed an EZ Flex kit and the shock kit.
I can't tell if the EZ Flex made any difference, the kit is supposed to lessen the jarring from small impacts, but I put them on for the durability factor anyway.
The shock kit however was most impressive! (I mounted them leaning out, as vertical as the kit allowed) Previously when hitting a large bump I would experience 3-5 after shocks in the truck as the springs oscillated. After the kit, all that was felt was the first bump....that's it! It isn't a perfectly smooth ride, but vastly improved. The steering is easier to control, the ride is more relaxing(it doesn't feel like a big dog is shaking the truck after every bump), the cupboard and fridge contents in our rear kitchen aren't moved around as much.
THIS WAS A GREAT MOD!!! And not that hard to do. I would say if you can change a tire and do an oil change you can do this mod.

Great diagram Biggie. Dexter sez in Mobile Outfitters sez out. I've emailed Dexter with my arguments asking them to justify their belief. I'll post their reply if I get one.

I installed mine like this:



As you can see this setup distributes the forces across all three hangers.

Hey just found another pic that's clearer. On the in vs. out, the shackle plate flange has ears on both sides so you can position them either way. I have seen them pointed in on one TT but the majority I have seen are pointed out like mine. Honestly it may not matter that much, because all the shock does is dampen the oscillation of the spring to control bounce, it doesn't provide any suspension itself. It would seem to me that optimum damping would occur if the shock is perpendicular to the movement of the spring.

On most vehicles the shocks are close to vertical to match the deflection in the spring. Here, the shocks are angled due to limited vertical height. Whether you face them toward or away from each other they are still at the same angle relative to spring travel, so less than optimal. Facing toward each other creates a lot going on in that spot above the equalizer, plus you may have fit issues depending on shock length and axle spacing. Facing away from each other gives you a lot more mounting flexibility so probably why that's the recommended method. So I would say either way is equally effective but one offers an easier installation.

Big B that was my original thought too. The axle WILL move toward the equalizer as the spring is compressed, BUT the movement will be very slight..I'd guess 1/2 inch max. BUT the equalizer lower mounting point for the shackles move 2-3 inches as the axles roll over obstacles like speed bumps or curbs. I drew a picture of the different extremes an equalizer could get to and realized the non fixed spring end pivot point could move a lot more than the fixed pivot point end therefore \ ^ / it is ...I think

I guess I should also add I'm only concerned with whats happening while I'm going down the fwy. Maybe mounting away from equalizer is better for low speed or articulation over things but I'm not personally concerned with that. Maybe thats where my thinking is flawed?

I've had trailers with and without factory shocks. I can't tell the difference.

Haha, the up side is I dont think there is a wrong way to do it.
The strong reason you posted is why I would mount the shock tilted towards the equalizer. As the spring gets longer as it moves up the axle will move towards the equalizer compressing the shock more. Will also slow down rebound as the axle moves down and more towards the solid mount.

I envision the shock tilted away from equalizer not moving much while the axle is traveling up and away from its upper mount.

I guess thats good if you warranty the shocks you sell :B

I say that jokingly because I really dont know which way is best, but thinking about how things are moving I would go top towards equalizer.

Damn good question though !

Thanks everybody for their input. I've re-re-thought about which direction is best, asked a few buddies and finally come up with a conclusion that I think is defensible.

Mount them pointing AWAY from the equalizer.
Rational is as follows
1-the holes drilled in frame and forces the frame is subjected to will be more widely spaced (a weak reason)
2-to lessen porpoising (fore aft rocking)the wider the shocks are mounted from each other the greater effect.(another weak reason)
3-THE STRONG REASON..to involve the greatest bounce dampening one should mount the bottom of the shocks on the point of the spring that moves the most, be that between the axle and the equalizer or between the axle and the fixed spring mounting point. Given the equalizer/shackle/mobile end of the spring will move much more than the end of the spring that has a fixed pivot point I firmly now believe they should be mounted leaning away from each other and the equalizer.....unless you guys convince me I'm wrong:h