Why are eft/right shock absorbers on opposite sides of axle?

[winkosmosis]

What is the reason for this?

 

[old_man]

It helps compensate for axle wrap caused by torque.

 

[heyhar]

The shock placement like this was found helpful by Pontiac engineers in the mid sixties (probably John DeLorean's gang), and first used on the '67 Firebird, followed by the '68 Camaro. Obviously not patented, it was quickly implemented on just about every leaf-sprung vehicle shortly thereafter.

 

[5-90]

Axle wrap and triangulation. If both shock dampers were on the same side of the tube, the tube could "roll up" - possibly bending the shock damper rods, definitely warping the springs, and probably breaking the mounts.

It primarily prevents leaf wrap (to a certain extent,) but it's helpful in a few more ways as well.

 

[winkosmosis]

Ah I see, makes sense. When the suspension compresses each twists the axle in a different direction.