I've noticed on some F-150's in the 97-03 body style that the placement of the rear shocks is different. On mine, both shocks are mounted to points on the rear side of the axle and run side by side on the same slope up to the upper mounting points, sloped towards the rear of the truck. However, I've looked under some other trucks in parking lots and whatnot and noticed that some criss cross sort of. Like, one is mounted like mine, and then the other one is mounted to the FRONT of the rear axle and runs on a forward slope to its upper mount, towards the front of the truck. What gives?

 

I too have wondered. I have noticed that the one front-one rear mount seems to be only on the SCREWS. Is this contributing to a diminished load capacity?

Ford went to mounting both shocks outboard of the springs on later models to improve ride quality, but why one forward and one rearward on the 97-03's?

 

The staggared mounting is supposed to help with wheel hop. I tried to mount both rear Pro COmp shocks on my Screw facing rearward but there was interference.

 

Any idea which years/body styles/drivetrains received which?

 

I think they started this around 2000.

 

I had both my shocks facing rear on my silver truck after a quick change over, they came staggered from the factory


the rear facing helps with weight transfer and makes for a little softer ride