Differences Between Shocks, Struts, and Coilovers

[@garyvanremortel5218]

A coilover is an assembly of a spring over a shock. A shock or damper is just the shock portion. A MacPherson strut is a coilover that bolts directly to the spindle to provide steering rotation as well as suspension.

[@pewpew953]

Still confused about the difference between struts and coilovers

[@ShockSurplus]

Struts are a shock with a spring seat that either has options for just one height or various based on circlip grooves. height adjustment would require the spring to be compressed and adjusted. A coilover is a strut with a threaded body that allows you to make those height with a collar. Aluminum bodies require you to compress the springs to make the adjustment while Steel bodyes you can adjust with a spanner wrench.

[@samhadzovic7480]

Quick struts, have welded tabs to connect your links for the stabilizer bar while coil overs don’t… That was my question. What do I do with the links and stabilizer bar?

[@harrysmith3495]

@@Official_son_of_artstrut = the shockabsorber and the coil spring unit. Coilover = the same unit but can be adjusted. Is that correct?

[@wilsonjohn9766]

The people explaining it to you are confused too. Lol.

[@SonikJesus]

Same. I guess adjustability is the difference?

[@aranyak1881]

Thanks, one of the videos actually explaining true coilovers!

[@ShockSurplus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bryansage4947]

My mechanic recomended I replace my front struts and I expect he us right about this. My question is he commented "May as well replace the springs at the same time." frequently online comments on this topic is most often the springs do not need replaced. I suspect it is just easier to replace the entire assembly with a "Quick strut". There is a major cost difference between just a strut, and the entire assembly. Interested in your opinion.

[@ShockSurplus]

It's all personal preference and what one would want to do. You would have to outweigh pros and cons and cost and see what suits you specially.

[@jstample]

I believe sometimes the labor involved in transferring the spring over somewhat can offset the cost of reusing the old spring. You’re correct in that installation is easier as well. Also, with a complete strut assembly, not only do you get a new spring but a new strut mount (the top part that mounts to the body- there is a bearing inside that allows the assembly to rotate when turning the steering wheel)

[@antiWhiteism777]

@shocksurplus --- Difference between shocks and suspension?

[@rizen68]

Thank you for this video it really helped. I have a 1999 VW Polo 3 door 1.6L gas car and i am stuck looking for the right shocks for my ride.

[@ShockSurplus]

This vehicle was not offered in the US. We don't see any parts in our database that we can provide for your vehicle.

[@RefrigeratedTP]

LOL I found this video because I've been so confused as to what I need for my Camry. Nice callout there. Bilstein coilovers worth more than the car itself is what I'm going with. ez. thanks.

[@derekkchung]

So, Left most being 1. we have 1, 2,3,4,5. 1= coilover. 2. strut. 3. shock absorber (that has mounts ready for coil spring). 4. shock absorber. 5 = coilover. strut (2) = coil spring + shock absorber (3) + misc parts like bump stop + bellow + washer, etc. Coil spring usually don't wear out or get tired. They could get rust and break if u are in rust belt. Coilover (1 and 5) is like a strut but u can adjust the overall height and the spring height, making it possible to fine tune the suspension. Some high end ones have the strut mount plate that allows chamber adjustment. 1 to 5, they all have or are shock absorbers. Shock absorbers do go bad and often enough u don't even see oil leaking. Without taking the shock absorber out of the strut, u can never 100% tell, and if u take them out, u mind as well replace them. On most cars, front are struts, rear are shock absorber + a coil spring separately (or leaf spring). Newer cars have struts in the rear. To disassemble a strut, u need specific tool to take out spring coil. Since good chance u need to replace the bump stop and bellow, some people mind as well replace the whole strut when total cost + labor is about the same. If u work on cars often, it might be wise to get the tool (a few kinds for different coil springs) and replace only the shock absorber (plus bump stop + bellow if needed.) I am just trying to clear my mind and write down everything I understand. Hope I have used all the right terminologies. Pls correct me if I am wrong.

[@ShockSurplus]

For the most part, this sounds about right. It is case-by-case and very dependent on the vehicle. The front can be leaf springs, torsion bars, coil springs, or fully assembled struts and springs/Coilover setup. The rear is usually a spring or leaf pack or in some cases a fully assembled struts and springs/Coilover setup.

[@derekkchung]

2. Strut. Some people call it strut assembly and the shock absorber inside the strut. That turned my world upside down and confused the hell out of me. Oh well.

[@derekkchung]

@@ShockSurplus Thanks.

[@ShockSurplus]

Yeah it can get a bit confusing. We call the struts, struts assembly and if it's a threaded body, it's a coilover.

[@thermus]

@@ShockSurplus ok, now I get it. A coilover is a strut with a threaded body. Thanks

[@callmeeddy1514]

Hey so I need new shocks for my car. Also I want to lower my car and improve handling. Instead of buying new shocks can I just buy coilovers as replacement?

[@ShockSurplus]

Contact our sales team directly with your vehicle information and we'll try our best to help you out.

[@miladin100]

i have an insanely precise question , i got my first car (old bmw e60 525d) and i have alot of questions about shocks because i am in a process of changing mine . i am looking at dtsline sport coilovers that are adjustable .... do you think its a good idea to get or its not needed and the stock ones are fine to put on ?

[@bjornironsides6474]

depends on what you're doing. Stock is fine. You'd want adjustability if you were racing on a track and needed to adjust your suspension. 9 times out of 10, you don't need a fancy brand coilover. Some people just want it to lower their car, and a lot of people just jank up their ride for looks without other necessary adjustments.

[@realdogsroll]

I am trying to do a set up for a 1970s Cutlass Supreme and I am trying to get a luxury ride. I am riding and 22s, what set up do you suggest. I dont race and basically highway driving and city driving.

[@ShockSurplus]

Those 22" rims are providing a lot of the harshness in ride quality, its hard to rescue that. The best option is also one of the most expensive, and that being a coilover setup from QA1 most likely.

[@adrianormsby5422]

Is it okay to put coilovers on front and regular shocks at back?

[@ShockSurplus]

In most cases that is how it is. You get a coilover in the front and a shock in the rear.

[@adrianormsby5422]

@@ShockSurplus I appreciate your reply

[@Reality2024check]

I have a 98 infinity i30. I have a stupid question. my rear coilovers are completely done. I was wondering if I can replace it with just struts instead of buying coilovers. Because struts are really cheap on rock auto. RN in a bad financial situation.

[@ShockSurplus]

If you're purchasing from Rock Auto, you should ask them specially the parts you're looking at and if it'll work. However, in most cases if the coilover is using the same stock spring dimension, then you can just replace the struts.

[@teehills007]

I have a 2016 Lexus GS 350 V6 Rwd making bout 300 maybe more to the wheel FBO headers, intake, axle back exhaust (still stock tune, and midpipe) I lowered my car just a bit, but it definitely feels very jumpy when I hit bumps especially at high speeds. Do I replace the struts with performance ones? Or do I go full coil over setup?

[@williamaugustine157]

I have a rearend for my Monte Carlo it doesn’t have the plate for the coil springs which would be best to use if i dont want the coil springs in the rear ?

[@ShockSurplus]

Contact our sales team directly and we'll try our best to help you out. www.shocksurplus.com/pages/contact-us

[@tein7127]

The strut and coil assembly went bad on my car.. could I jus buy a set of coilovers to replace them? I was wanted to lower my car too. Lmk plz

[@ShockSurplus]

What vehicle is this? It depends on the vehicle.

[@tein7127]

@@ShockSurplus 2010 ford taurus se

[@anvernaidoo9833]

Hi golf mk1 1strut coilover is bad can I buy just 1

[@blackmantis6443]

What do you recommend for a 3inch lift kit on a fj cruiser. Fox or icon suspension. Need help

[@ShockSurplus]

Depends on the year. Contact our sales team directly for assistance.

[@blackmantis6443]

2012 fj cruiser. Trying to build it

[@urielhernandez3813]

Can front struts fit rear of a Honda 8th gen civic ?

[@josedanielprofegonzalez7308]

Just I would like to know, if shock is on the front and strut is on the rear or what is it?

[@ShockSurplus]

All struts are shocks, but not all shocks are struts. Whether they are mounted up front or in the rear does not really matter, however, if you have something that runs struts and shocks, you more than likely have struts in the front and shocks in the back. What makes it a strut is that on top of being a shock and dampening the motions of the suspension, it also serves as a load bearing or locating component with the suspension. The struts in this video all house a coil spring and, therefore, carry the weight of the vehicle and determine the ride height, making them a load-bearing component and, in the case of Mac Strut suspension a locating member. Macpherson strut suspension usually only has one lower arm and use the strut to locate the top of the suspension in the place of an upper control arm. Many Mac Strut cars use a spring or torsion bar separate from the strut (Sprinter Vans, GM Trackers, etc). So although the vehicle's weight is held by the torsion bar or coil spring, the strut still locates the suspension on top since there is no upper control arm.

[@SuperSkandale]

I'm left with as many questions as I was when I clicked here. The ones with coils around them all look very similar and when you are describing them you are using words that are very similar. This didn't clear up to me what the difference is and what I need.

[@ShockSurplus]

What vehicle do you have? That's a good start on how we can help

[@SuperSkandale]

@@ShockSurplus E90 2009 xdrive

[@martingregory5955]

So you're saying that a coilover is just a normal strut with a screw thread to adjust the spring compression? I am familiar with this on bikes as common.

[@ShockSurplus]

The threaded body isnt a necessity of a coilover, but its typical and common. The Macpherson strut originated the word strut, which is really when the spring is seated on the damper; but the damper itself is the steering knuckle / steering pivot point that connects to the wheel. Strut became synonymous to 'spring on shock' sometime later, so sometimes we refer to a shock on spring setup as a strut.

[@arthurturner5008]

Have a 2017 nissan altima want to take sharper turns What set should i get for my nissan

[@ShockSurplus]

Really only OE replacments available, but you should see better handling from a set of lowering springs. Eibach sells Pro Kit springs that do 0.8" of drop and are a guaranteed fit on stock or stock replacement shocks and struts, and should help handling.

[@dominozonda]

I have a 2006 Mazda 3, it handles well on OEM struts and shocks in the back, but the ride is harsh and getting worse as they age Which brand will give me the best comfort while maintaining the handling properties of the car or improving upon them?

[@dominozonda]

Also some mechanics like Scotty Kilmer say that the best strut for your car is the OEM, because they have certain dimensions that are designed specifically for your car and take into account the whole picture of the car's suspension What do you think of this?

[@ShockSurplus]

Well if you're nothing doing anything specific build with your car then stick to OEM. You're not building a track car or racing. If you're trying to stance this car then just do air bag and slam it.

[@brendansperling3360]

So a vehicle doesn't have more that one (Shock, strut, coilover) per wheel right? If I want a smoother ride where my car doesn't bounce/move when going over bumps on freeway, which is the best

[@ShockSurplus]

correct, 99.999% of vehicles have 1 damper per corner. What vehicle do you have? feel free to email us [e-mail] and we can dive in. In general, Bilstein is a very good option for most cars, excellent handling, but maybe not the softest ride for you. KYB excel-g or gas-a-just are great options on a budget that will help out on those bumps.

[@RaulAvila-i2c]

i got a good one for you i have 67 c10 i have done alot to it i put new shocks a couple of years ago KYB Gas-a-Just Gas Shock not sure of the # and i have been working on it alot and really havent driven it to much in that time im sure the rear leaf springs and front springs have never been changed and the ? is the truck kinda starts bouncing sometimes will shocks with coils help balance that out? assuming the front springs are weak

[@ShockSurplus]

really old springs basically lose rate over time (become softer), with that said excessive bouncing can occur when coils or leafs have 100s of thousands of miles on them, the shocks will have a hard time fixing that

[@RaulAvila-i2c]

@@ShockSurplus thanks for the advice it makes perfect sense

[@adolfocastellanos3538]

I have a 2012 chrysler 300 base, RWD. I just want a smooth, firm ride. What do you suggest?

[@ShockSurplus]

Bilstein B6 Performance shocks all the way! We have been running these for the last few months on our warehouse manager's Charger which is obviously on the same platform and they have been spectacular www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-b6-performance-shocks-set-for-2011-2020-chrysler-300-awd-rwd

[@stellocut99]

How would you go about buying just the coil springs? I want KYB struts, but they don't make the ones with springs fit my vehicle. 1999 Lexus RX300. I know old vehicle its hard to find parts, but its a Lexus. Also is it possible to buy a coilover strut with a steel body and adjust it without dealing with dangerous spring compressors to make it fit properly in any vehicle? Such a product would definitely draw lots of sales as Americans overall are keeping their vehicles longer. Also one of the main reasons people replace their vehicles is to avoid the headache of maintenance. I think an adjustable strut to fit multiple vehicles will sell like crazy.

[@ShockSurplus]

we cant find an aftermarket spring for that vehicle, probably need to go back to the dealership to locate one. Universal struts are hard due to mount types and spring rates/lengths

[@seveng86sg]

So if a mouse is outside its a rat ?

[@gruvygraphics9984]

You didn't even go over the 5th shock. you only covered 4. I can't find ANY video that tells me if I can use coil overs to replace rear springs

[@ShockSurplus]

The 5th chock as in the Rancho on the far right of the video? That is a strut just like the KYB and Bilstein. You probably are not seeing any videos on swapping a coil or leaf spring to a coilover because that is not something you could simply do by buying a kit. That is going to require some custom fabrication on just about any vehicle.

[@Kirmo13]

Now I'm even more confused. You called same things with different names and different things with the same name

[@luisherrera166]

What do you recommend for a 07 TSX replacement. Something OEM style I don’t need fancy.

[@ShockSurplus]

There's only 4 options we can offer. You can review them below: www.shocksurplus.com/search?view=shop&type=finder#/filter:ss_fitment:2007$253EAcura$253ETSX/filter:tags_position_filter:Full$2520Set/sort:ss_price:asc

[@Eric-ix3rx]

What is the difference then?

[@jonathancastellanos9126]

If i get coilovers can i still have my regular stock hieght or will it automatically be lowered?

[@ShockSurplus]

Depends on the vehicle.

[@CampVerde6]

I have a stock 2019 Wrangler Rubicon JLU, with a rooftop tent. At 66,000 miles I have a couple of leaky shocks. If I need to replace all my shocks I'd like to do the best I can get to have balanced on and off road performance. I primarily do slow off-road trails, but would love to be able to drive fast when conditions allow, and not feel the harsh washboard type roads so much. What would be ideal to replace my stock shocks with, and do I need additional parts to compliment my existing suspension? Thanks!

[@ShockSurplus]

At stock height your best bet would probably be something like a Bilstein 5100 as it should reduce sway and give you a little more support off road, however if you were willing to lift it you could open a lot of great options like their 8100s or a Fox 2.5 PE. Either way since you have some weight up high, I would stick with something Digressive like a Bilstein or Icon or something that has low speed compression adjustment like a Fox 2.5 or 3.0.

[@samhadzovic7480]

I bought quick struts for my 04 Avalon in order to put 18 inch wheels on even though the tires are thin, I get rubbing on the strut plate under the spring. I’ve considered adjustable coil overs. What would that do to my sway bar end links?

[@ShockSurplus]

Sure and adjustable coilover will definitely have more wheel clearance without a doubt. From there its all about ride height where the endlinks are concerned. If you plan to keep it stock stock height or close to it the stock endlinks should be fine, but if you drop it too far you will likely need to run a shorter or adjustable end link.

[@samhadzovic7480]

I ended up using 17” Toyota Highlander rims and changed the tire size to 215 50/R17 (55 rubs on spring plate of the quickstrut ) that finally stopped the rubbing.

[@thetruth6992]

Hi, I want to lower my car by few inches, some people say just get the lowering springs, some saying get Springs with shockers and some saying get coilover, I'm very confused with making rite choice, I have Audi a3 2013 model with 121000 on clock. Since it's a pretty old car with high mileage, I think just changing springs is not a good idea, I might is well Change whole set, what will be the rite thing to do? Springs with shockers or coilover?? Shocker with Springs are much cheaper than coilovers but then Im thinking if I'm going to spend I might is well spend on better and long lasting rite item, can you help and advice please?? Thanks kind regards

[@ShockSurplus]

Good question! With that many miles, a set of new shocks/dampers is called for, not just springs. Usually shock + spring combinations are on the 'less aggressive' side when compared to coilover options. Coilovers are single units that combine the shocks and springs, and allow for adjustability to the ride height and damping characteristics - something that's not achievable when the shocks and springs are separate. Bilstein makes a really great shock + spring kit, very sporty, lowers the vehicle a good amount, but not too extreme. KW makes on of the best coilovers, adjustable ride height, adjustable rebound/compression - but only necessary if you like to take the vehicle to the track and race. We can dive into more details, feel free to email us at [e-mail]

[@thetruth6992]

@@ShockSurplus thank you so much for your clear advice, I'm gonna try bilstein shock + springs, thanks

[@ShockSurplus]

The pleasure is all ours! If we can help out in any other way, please let us know.

[@nevadaboy9769]

Whats the difference between coilovers & adjustable struts, seems to me when you thread the nut up on the coilover your compressing the spring the same as you would by adjusting the snap ring on say the bilsteins! so your paying double for looks & threads? seems to me for the daily driver you would thread your coilover to get the height you want then you would never need to adjust again so why pay the extra $$ just for the kool factor makes no sense to me! then with spacer lift you would lose some travel but how would that effect your ride quality your strut & spring stay the same, help me understand lol

[@ShockSurplus]

We try to avoid spacer whenever it's possible. Adjustable height struts are usually with a circlip method like the Bilstein 5100 and 6112 or Eibach Stage 1 or Icon EXP series. These are preset at whichever height and preload they they provide. Upgrading your spring is also difficult in some cases if they still use the OEM style springs and not universal style. Coilovers have a threaded body which allows you to adjust preload to your liking and in most cases more 2.5 series coilover use a universal spring so we are able to swamp them out to heavier springs if you needed to support like bumpers, winches and such.

[@closehightv]

Still confused bro lol 😂

[@TFDStudios]

i have a question, my buddy replaced his front struts with rear shocks when he lifted it, is this safe and should i do it?

[@ShockSurplus]

If it really had a strut in the front it would not really be possible to use a rear shock as a strut is a structural component that will include the spring and therefore holds up the weight of the vehicle. If it has shocks in the front, there is a good chance a rear shock would be underdamped and tuned improperly to use on the front for most applications excluding something that had the exact same style of suspension front and rear and had close to a 50:50 front to rear weight split.

[@jack8356]

I find it weird that my carmy is just shocks in the back. I think on my 2010 accord. It had all struts

[@ShockSurplus]

yeah early passenger cars are springs and shocks separate in the rear

[@jack8356]

@ShockSurplus not really my new car 23 model has the rear spring and shocks separated

[@Bob31415]

0:36 - "Struts are typically when the coilspring is sitting on the shock." 1:40 - Picks up a "strut" that has no coilspring.

[@ShockSurplus]

He says "The strut by itself" implying this is a strut without the coil spring currently installed

[@craigstearns7587]

Dude… one end attaches to the frame the other end attaches to the [suspension] (not frame) 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ShockSurplus]

Thank you for the terminology clarification. We are aware of wording used and have brought to the attention on the media team.

[@vbBegin1957]

so actually is not a strut its a shock.

[@ShockSurplus]

All struts are shocks but not all shocks are struts. Basically what makes it a strut is that on top of being a shock and dampening the motions of the suspension also serves as a load bearing or locating component with the suspension. The struts in this video all house a coil spring and therefore carry the weight of the vehicle and determine ride height making them a load bearing component and in some cases a locating member as well on Mac strut suspension. There are also some vehicles that use Macpherson strut suspension but have a spring or torsion bar that is separate from the strut (Sprinter Vans, GM Trackers, etc). Although the weight of the vehicle is held by the torsion bar or coil spring, the strut is still locating the suspension on top since there is no upper control arm making it a locating member within the suspension

[@vbBegin1957]

I have an Audi a8 it has struts with upper control arm. Thanks for your response. like your explanation

[@parkershisler7606]

Question, if my shocks and struts are going bad can I not just buy coilovers and not have to buy shocks struts

[@parkershisler7606]

It’s a 2020 corolla

[@ShockSurplus]

Yes you can just buy coil overs if you wished. It's just depends on what you want, what you're trying to do, and budget.