How close does the clamp need to be to the actual welding? How about if you are welding a shock tower for example, there is not a good place for the clamp.

You should get it as close as you can, but anywhere with good conductivity to the work area is fine.

i am shore you no this but disconnect youre battery first i run my clamp pretty close

How close does the clamp need to be to the actual welding? How about if you are welding a shock tower for example, there is not a good place for the clamp.

Anywhere on the frame that has good metal if fine. As long as there is metal connected to the metal you are working on in some way.

Also, as Bob said, please make sure you take off the battery.

Joe;)