Question on Fox 2.0 Rear Shock Orientation

[RamblinnMann]

The OEM FX4 shocks have clear indications on orientation with the stickers that have an arrow that points towards the frame side. The Fox 2.0 shocks do not.

My friend says it shouldn't matter which way the shocks are installed in truck; the shaft can point up or down on either side. The Fox instructions also show the shocks with the body on the frame side (only one picture shown, but it looks like it's the left shock).

Instruction videos, however, seem to just follow the convention of the OEM shocks.

Has anyone heard different? How are you running yours?

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[treimche]

I called and spoke with Fox before installing my Fox 2.0 front and rears, and they recommend to install the rears with the shaft down, body up, like the instructions show. I would also recommend their roost shields or whatever they're called, so they will protect the shaft from rocks/debris.

 

[Jake596]

This usually turns into the chicken or the egg thread... I mirrored the install that Stage3 did in their video...

 

[Pvsaint]

Apparently it doesn't matter as far a performance goes. I installed body up and shaft down so the body has protection from getting dinged with rocks or debris and water and mud won't stay on the seal that way.

 

[Jason@Stage3]

With a monotube shock like the Fox 2.0s, orientation doesn't really matter.

We generally recommend (and generally do) a barrel-up, shaft-down orientation on our trucks. Our theory is that it's a lot harder to nick a hardened steel shaft to the point of causing a seal failure (not that it can't happen, and it absolutely can) than it is to puncture an aluminum or steel shock body by anything you kick up on the road/trail.

Not to mention, shaft damage can be mitigated by adding either roost shields or a universal boot.

On basic hydro shocks like the OEM shocks, orientation absolutely matters, since their valving is generally only restricted in one direction.

 

[RamblinnMann]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I ended up installing mine shaft down, body up as well. Really stoked to get out on the trail!

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