Rear axle shock mounts / SOA conversion

Still working on my SOA conversion on my '73 w/ stock Dana 44 on RE SOA 2.5" YJ springs (I'll post pictures when I'm closer to done). The stock shock mounts were on the U-bolt plates.

I'm considering my options and the advantages or disadvantages of locating the new shock mounts:
A) on the new U-bolt plates (I'd have to fabricate them on but I could make a stud out of a 1/2 inch bolt and weld it on similar to the original or
B) Weld tabs onto the axle (which would get me a bit more length. If I weld tabs on the axle tube, where is the best place to put them? Even with the bottom of the axle? Top of the axle?

 

Personally, I've never been a fan of the mounts on the spring plates. Although there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. I've always just welded shock tabs to the axle. The length of your shocks and their relative position to the axle tubes at full droop will determine the final placement of the mounts, but I usually try to mount them far enough up to avoid trail obstacles.

Here's the front of my flattie to give you an idea:

 

Thanks Christian.
Are those Ford shock towers you have used for the upper mounts?

 

Save the shock decisions till you have everything working and can measure your up and down travel with a fork lift or ramp. Then you will know how much travel you need out of your shock, and then of course how long of a shock. Then you can engineer your placement so your shock is positioned and extended the right amount at normal rest.

 

Yeah, they're off a Super Duty. I go scrap metal dumpster diving every now and then at my local off road shop.

I think I've got an extra set or two. And like CJ-X said, it really is better to wait and do the shocks last after the springs, driveshafts, and even wheels and tires are finalized. Then you can use the shocks to limit the amount of droop to prevent driveshaft binding if necessary, etc.