GM did the shock staggering originally back in the 1960s for the Trans Am Road racing cars, it helped thier lap times There have been some drag cars try the shocks mounted in the front but we don't see that anymore
You might want to check out the latest built heads-up cars. Quite a few leaf spring cars have gone with the shocks in the front.
It really makes no difference if they are in front or rear.. in front they just need stronger valving to cover for the percentage of change
What spring segment are you trying to control? Front or back? Why not mount shock on that segment. Some chassis builders are trying it in small tire stuff. It's really easy for me to do. Swap leaf spring/shock mounts side to side so shock mounts face forward. Weld bar for upper shock mount in done. Doesn't work stock uppers still there and swap plates back.
There have been some drag cars try the shocks mounted in the front but we don't see that anymore 
