Shock position

[Shrek]

What is the difference between mounting the shock on the lower control arm or on the upper control arm? other than the center of gravity

[Jersey Tom]

Really none in terms of performance.

[mx_tifoso]

Packaging?

[marcush.]

of course the load paths are completely different as in deciding on which of the wishbone you position the damper/spring you will also put a huge amount of force into that very wishbone.
In terms of driveshaft clearance it can be a bit tricky to reach the lower wishbone without interference to the shock ,especially on driven and steered wheels...

[Belatti]

If you want to achieve a specific motion ratio and its variability, and you have upper and lower wishbones of unequal lenght, it can happen that you have to put the shock here or there. Shock lenght has much to do with that.

[tam85]

the shock absorber on the lower control arm does not deflect. some lower arms came boxed to accomodate mounts for a rear sway bar and experience compression while the upper control arms are splayed outward to create a triangular-mount effect and they are put in tension.