Basic Strut vs. Shock question

JAMIE T · March 30th, 2005, 12:25 PM

What is the differance between a strut and a shock? Also inlude Coilover Shocks. Coilover shocks support the complete weight of a car as does a strut some times right? What conditions must be present to need one or the other?
Or, would a coilover shock be interchangable with a coilover strut given the right mounts are added?

JMortensen · March 30th, 2005, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAMIE T

What is the differance between a strut and a shock? Also inlude Coilover Shocks. Coilover shocks support the complete weight of a car as does a strut some times right? What conditions must be present to need one or the other?
Or, would a coilover shock be interchangable with a coilover strut given the right mounts are added?

A strut bears load. A shock does not. So in a Z for example, you can't remove the struts and set the car on the ground. In a pickup truck you can remove the shock and it set the truck down with no problems.

As to the second part of your question I think the answer is yes. In a 510 for example you have rear shocks, but some people use a strut that incorporates the spring, like the back of a 280ZX and then remove the separate spring, basically converting it from shock to strut.

johnc · March 30th, 2005, 02:41 PM

A strut is an upper suspension locating member that is typically a vertically oriented metal tube that is connected to the hub.

A shock is a hydraulic device the dampens the motions of the suspension springs.

On a McPhereson and Chapman Strut suspension the strut has a coil spring located around it and the spring sits on a lower spring perch attached to the strut. In addition, a shock is installed inside the hollow tube of the strut with the shock body clamped in the tube and the shock shaft is attached to the vehicle body at the upper spring perch.

2126 · March 30th, 2005, 03:52 PM

Jamie T,

To add to John's post.....a McPhereson strut is used in a steering application (front suspension) and a Champman strut is used in a non-steering application (rear suspension).

March 30th, 2005, 12:25 PM	#1
JAMIE T Banned User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Richmond, VA USA Posts: 1,770	Basic Strut vs. Shock question What is the differance between a strut and a shock? Also inlude Coilover Shocks. Coilover shocks support the complete weight of a car as does a strut some times right? What conditions must be present to need one or the other? Or, would a coilover shock be interchangable with a coilover strut given the right mounts are added?

March 30th, 2005, 02:41 PM	#3
johnc Administrator Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: La Habra, CA Posts: 6,375 Blog Entries: 1	A strut is an upper suspension locating member that is typically a vertically oriented metal tube that is connected to the hub. A shock is a hydraulic device the dampens the motions of the suspension springs. On a McPhereson and Chapman Strut suspension the strut has a coil spring located around it and the spring sits on a lower spring perch attached to the strut. In addition, a shock is installed inside the hollow tube of the strut with the shock body clamped in the tube and the shock shaft is attached to the vehicle body at the upper spring perch. __________________ John Coffey johnc@betamotorsports.com BetaMotorsports, LLC Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our HybridZ dead! In deciding for those who cannot decide, Or educating those who will not listen, There's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of indecision and ignorance blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger: Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood... ...Follow your spirit, and upon this charge, Cry "God for HybridZ, Datsun, and Horsepower!" Last edited by johnc; March 30th, 2005 at 03:59 PM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Strut insulator question?	deMideon	Brakes, Wheels, Suspension and Chassis	14	June 29th, 2006 02:01 PM
Rear Strut on Hatch Question	RedNeckZ	Body Kits & Paint	1	December 14th, 2004 10:22 PM
another strut question... help fast!	ON3GO	Brakes, Wheels, Suspension and Chassis	3	September 7th, 2003 11:46 AM
Tokico shock set-up question	John Greenslade	Brakes, Wheels, Suspension and Chassis	4	November 19th, 2002 05:15 PM
Another shortned strut question	75Turbo	Brakes, Wheels, Suspension and Chassis	1	April 12th, 2002 01:12 AM

March 30th, 2005, 03:52 PM	#4
2126 Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: SoCal Posts: 751	Jamie T, To add to John's post.....a McPhereson strut is used in a steering application (front suspension) and a Champman strut is used in a non-steering application (rear suspension).