View Full Version : shocks, struts and coil overs??


BlackSS05
08-12-2005, 06:09 PM
Listen this may sound like a newb question but what is the differnce bewtween all of these things and what is their function in the suspension. In lamens terms since im not technical at all.

Halfcent
08-12-2005, 07:29 PM
Shocks: A dampening device that prevents a vehicles springs (the actual weight carrying members) from oscillating. Basically a fancy oil pump that dissipates kinetic energy (the moving spring) into heat. Mostly used on the rear axle of modern suspensions mounted right next the the spring.

Strut: Similiar to a simple shock except it carries some percentage of the vehicles weight as well. Kind of like a combination of a shock and a spring all in one part. Used on the front suspension usually.

Coil-Over: A user adjustable suspension system. Coil-overs are installed in place of shocks and have an air valve on them that allow the user to change the suspension ride height and feel. "Air-Shocks"

BlackSS05
08-12-2005, 10:24 PM
geee thanx. Helps me out alot.

IonNinja
08-13-2005, 08:30 AM
actually a strut/spring setup like on the front of our cars is referred to as a coilover as well.

Its actually the same thing as an aftermarket coilover setup without the adjustibility