I am by far no expert but here is what I have learned. You can mount both forward,both backward or one each way. Different OEM's use different methods and it doesn't seem to matter. You should mount them at an angle. I went to the parts store and used their shock book. I told compressed length extended length and mounting type. You can select a bolt at the end, or eye and the dimensions of each. You may wish to select an eye at each end mount a plate on the frame with an approprate size bolt sticking out to mount the shock to at the top. Measure the distance with vehicle setting and select a length that will allow 2-3" more travel and allow the axle to travel to the upper bumpstop without fully compressing the shock. fully compressing the shock against the internal stop will cause premature failure