I can't imagine the internals [shaft/bushings/bearings ] or the body of the shock for that matter, being strong enough to act as a suspension link...
dave
I have an idea for the shock:
...it would replace the lower 4-bar and attach to the batwing. The 4-bars are 43" and the shock arm is 10". There would be some small change in caster as the axle moved up and down.
Comments? Am I bonkers?