Why do the shocks mount in the same direction where both shocks mount to the rear of the axle on my buddy's 99 F150 4WD, but on my 00 F150 H.D. 2WD, one shock mounts to the front of the axle and the other mounts to the rear of the axle?

 

Only 1997's had both shocks facing that i knew of. Is the 99 possibly a 7700 vehicle?

Facing same way is good for drag launches, for weight transitions.
Facing opposite rides a little smoother and controls the axle a little better.

 

The Lightning and Harley trucks have staggered shocks. With the exception of those two, all 96 and earlier are all staggered. 97-03 have both shocks in rear. 04 and up trucks have both shocks in front.

Also 97-03 trucks use a 2 piece frame. The rear section is the same for all trucks. Doesn't matter if it's 2wd, 4x4 or 7700....they're all the same.

 

Nope 2003 Supercrew XLT 2wd - staggered shocks

http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...backend016.jpg

mostly correct

 

Oops, you got me!! I didn't mention the Supercrew cause the two trucks in question were 99 and 00 models. The Supercrew wasn't available at that time, so I left it out just to keep things simple.

.....and of course the rear frames do differ with bed length.......but are mostly the same. Just trying to keep things simple and explain that the 7700 package doesn't change anything.

And the real reason for the changes in shock location has more to do with cost and clearance issues, rather than ride quality.