Mono shock differences?

[stirlinggaz]

Hi,
Theoretical question.
Seeing as I spent a bit of time on line looking for a replacement shock recently, I have a question.
Genuinely interested.

Mono shocks : looking at 2 here I have in my big box of spares I dragged out of shed due to wasps nest.
Anyway, simple Marzochi or whatever they're called.

Just has 2 adjustment rings at bottom, nothing else fancy.
My question : the thin rod gets compressed DOWN when in use on road, into thick bit with all the seals, gas, oil etc.

The other shock I'm looking at works "upside down" if that makes sense .
Adjustment rings again at bottom. BUT fat bit is at top , with thin rod at bottom so it goes up into fat bit.
Note the use of technical vocabulary.

What's the difference?

Could 1 in theory be turned upside down turning spring round if necessary?

cheers,
GAZ

[stinkwheel]

Spring is a spring whichever way up it is.

Damper . Some have gas on top of oil. In theory sealed in seperate compartments and if the seal is leaking, it's fucked anyway. I'm genuinely not sure how well these would play upside down. On remote reservoirs, the gas is usually under the oil anyway.

The basic shocks on my trials bike are sold as being able to be fitted either way up.
____________________
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I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.