What's the difference between a strut assembly and shock absorber?

[f2racer]

I need to fix my wife's 2002 XLT's rear springs (broken coils as discussed here). I figure while I'm in there, I'll put new shocks in (cars got around 68k miles). Rock Auto lists both a rear strut assembly and shock absorber... Which one do I need to buy?

Thanks!

 

[robby001]

I looked your vehicle up on tire rack and they are showing only shocks. Here is a link to what I found.

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...orer+XLT&autoYear=2002&autoModClar=&brand=all

 

[SuRrEaLNJ]

A shock absorber is a device used to disapate energy, ie the natural oscelations of a vehicles suspention after rebound or compression

a strut is a device wich can dampen motion along its axis, yet provide the ability to suport a radial load, and in the case of a mcpherson alow for turning as well.

to throw some more out there damper is a word that gets thrown around alot by guys who have both in one vehicle, ie mc pherson front and shock in the rear, because its easier to say "new dampers" then new "struts and shocks"

technically i would consider that a coil over as it is a shock and spring in one assembly, and the suspension utilizes both an upper and lower controll arm with a link (rack in front toe link in rear) to locate the knuckle

Rock auto has parts in both listings, but atleast as per the pictures and descriptions it seems like motorcraft and kyb racho and ac delco brands are under shocks, and monroe under struts, apears to be the corect parts either way

 

[Donner]

Struts all around... and make sure that whoever installs them lets you see them installed before the vehicle is lowered - there should be no extra parts in the box - and more expensive is not necessarily more quality.

 

[f2racer]

I bought the Monroe struts instead of one of the shocks listed on the Rockauto website. The struts came with rubber brushings (2 per strut), a metal end cap, and top bolt. I don't know whether or not these are included in the shocks, but I'm glad they came with the strut as the original brushing were very compacted/worn and the original metal cap was completely rusted.

 

[wi-dogfish]

I'm a little confused here, I ordered the rear springs to replace the broken springs in the rear now I want to order two rear struts. Does that sound correct? If a person just wanted to replace the struts do you have to remove the rear coil springs?

Thanks

 

[f2racer]

I'm a little confused here, I ordered the rear springs to replace the broken springs in the rear now I want to order two rear struts. Does that sound correct? If a person just wanted to replace the struts do you have to remove the rear coil springs?

Thanks

wi-dogfish, you're correct. I changed out the rear springs and struts last Sunday (it can be done in a day).

The IRS on a '02 is "coil (spring) over strut", so if you wanted to remove the struts, you need to remove the springs. In fact the whole assembly comes out together. Here's what the setup looks like before re-installation (new Moog springs and Monroe Strut and old top strut mount).

 

[gijoecam]

Call it whatever you want... the part is called a number of different things by the manufacturers... Monroe calls any shock with a spring around it a 'strut' regardless of whether or not it is, in fact, a strut. In reality what they're selling is a 'coilover shock' in my book.

In my book, the way I was taught, a shock strictly damps the motion. A strut damps the motion, supports the vehicle by use of a spring or compressed gas and carries the cornering loads in place of an upper control arm.

A coilover shock, like found on the front of a newer F150 or anywhere on an '02-up Explorer damps and supports the weight of the vehicle, but does not take the place of the upper control arm on either the front or the rear suspension. In my book, they fall squarely into the 'coilover shock' category.

-Joe

 

[wi-dogfish]

Hey, thanks for the pic. That is awesome, and guys thanks for the correct terms.

I'll get er done next week, just have to order the "coil over shock" or monroe "strut"

I know what I'm after now.

 

[Donner]

Not coil over shock...

Hey, thanks for the pic. That is awesome, and guys thanks for the correct terms.

I'll get er done next week, just have to order the "coil over shock" or monroe "strut"

I know what I'm after now.

That's not a strut, that's a design.

Correct, but the problem is these manufacturers and websites are selling everything as 'shocks' when the buyer needs struts. So you order shocks and get shocked when you find it's not the right thing. And I'll mention again, there should be no extra parts in the boxes after installation -

 

[f2racer]

wi-dogfish, don't forget to pick up a pair of "Strut Spring Compressors".

Even though the Monroe strut was between 1/2-3/4 inch longer than stock, the nut on the top of the strut can't be thread onto the strut until you compress the spring a good inch or so.

Autozone has a tool "loan" program where they'll charge you for the tool when you pick it up and refund you in full when you bring it back.

 

[BigRondo]

jsulen, I've noticed you have been bumping 3 year old threads to plug the parts bin. Maybe you should contact the forum admin and inquire about being a paid vendor?

 

[ExploGoldRob]

A shock is a dampener. A strut (as in McPherson) incorporates the spring,upper control arm, and dampener as a unit. Usually only the spring is removed/transferred to a replacement strut. The strut is part of the alignment control. A shock is not. If there is an upper arm(s) which orient the suspension alignment, any shock/spring is merely a coil-over shock.