I'm not sure why it was done that way. This is my first 4x4. The shackles and lower shock mounts are home made. The upper shock mounts to the frame look to be aftermarket. It's a dual shock per side set up on the front. I'd prefer to get my lift with the springs on front and do away with the shackles.
Let me take some pics and figure out how to get some pics loaded on here. Stay tuned...