Struts/Shocks

[Big Blue]

BTW, the Ranger does not have struts, they have coil over shocks up front.

Very true, unfortunately struts have become a generic term for front shocks, much like Kleenex has become a generic te for facial tissue.
By the way I use to work for Kimberly Clark.

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[Psycho78]

BTW, the Ranger does not have struts, they have coil over shocks up front.

Very true, unfortunately struts have become a generic term for front shocks, much like Kleenex has become a generic te for facial tissue.
By the way I use to work for Kimberly Clark.

I've gone crazy trying to figure out who calls what what now. But according to the main shock/ strut manufacturers, what we have is a "strut assembly" which is basically a coil over a shock (same thing). Monroe actually has a page on their site with definitions and the differences.

Fords parts catalog separates the pieces to a coil spring and shock absorber. Which is back to coil over shock.

Personally, I've finally just come to the conclusion that when you put it all together it's strut, and if it's just a shock like the rears, it's a shock. And that's what I say when I call parts places or shops. Such a pain in the A$$.

Easier then saying, I need the front tire bouncy bouncy dohickey thingamabob for such and such


car.

 

[Psycho78]

recommend getting different leafs for the rear in the near future

That's my plan. My camper isn't heavy, but with a dirt bike in the bed it could squat. I'm starting with Sumo and 5100 Bilstein rear, and see what happens. If it squats too much, I'll either go helper spring, airbag, or added leaf. I haven't' decided yet. All have plus and minuses. I just hope I didn't waste $200 on the sumo. We will find out.

 

[Burnt Money]

I just ordered these RC loaded struts and the Bilstein 5100 for rear. Was going to do 5100 all around but shops want too much to take spring off stock and put on new ($400 with install). I'll install the RC loaded strut myself. My question is with this being a 2.5" lift, does the back squat when you tow the boat? I tow an offroad camper with dirt bike on tongue and at times one in bed. I also bought the Sumo bump stop. I figured with the 5100s in rear and the sumo I should be ok with the front being so high. Really only wanted to go 2" in the front, but being cheap ended that. LOL I really don't rock crawl either. We take our offroad camper down pretty rough trails for a remote spot, then pull out the bikes and play.

One last question. I saw that some say the 5100s in rear actually lift the rear just a little bit. Did you notice that? or no? Would be great if it'd lift it about half an inch. then with Sumo I should be good for sure.

The squat is 3/4 inch. I’m guessing the tongue weight is a little over 350 when I picked it up. Didn’t weight it but lift 5 days a week and have a pretty good idea on weight. Hopefully the pictures attach.

 

[Psycho78]

The squat is 3/4 inch. I’m guessing the tongue weight is a little over 350 when I picked it up. Didn’t weight it but lift 5 days a week and have a pretty good idea on weight. Hopefully the pictures attach.

Thanks that makes me worry less. I really only wanted 2 in in the dront. RC just so much cheaper and all I need.

Looks almost level. Front might be a bit high. Hard to tell with it not perfectly straight and in the road. I'm hoping the sumo will resolve that. If not I'll add a spring or something. Maybe airbag. Idk.

 

[Frenchy]

Thanks that makes me worry less. I really only wanted 2 in in the dront. RC just so much cheaper and all I need.

Looks almost level. Front might be a bit high. Hard to tell with it not perfectly straight and in the road. I'm hoping the sumo will resolve that. If not I'll add a spring or something. Maybe airbag. Idk.

Remember that the saying goes "you get what you pay for". Just because it's cheap does not mean it's good. Keep that in mind

 

[Burnt Money]

The Tacoma I looked at when I was truck shopping cost more than the Ranger. I believe the Ranger is better and cost less. Sometimes things are overpriced and not better for the cost. Only time will tell…

 

[got3fords]

I've gone crazy trying to figure out who calls what what now. But according to the main shock/ strut manufacturers, what we have is a "strut assembly" which is basically a coil over a shock (same thing). Monroe actually has a page on their site with definitions and the differences.

Fords parts catalog separates the pieces to a coil spring and shock absorber. Which is back to coil over shock.

Personally, I've finally just come to the conclusion that when you put it all together it's strut, and if it's just a shock like the rears, it's a shock. And that's what I say when I call parts places or shops. Such a pain in the A$$.

Easier then saying, I need the front tire bouncy bouncy dohickey thingamabob for such and such car.

The way I see it, based on what I have researched, you can take a shock off without affecting the way the vehicle sits. If you could take the front shock off the Ranger, it would still hold itself up. If you took a strut off, the vehicle would fall to the ground as the strut is not just a shock, but also incorporates part of the suspension that suspends the vehicle off the ground.

 

[Big Blue]

The way I see it, based on what I have researched, you can take a shock off without affecting the way the vehicle sits. If you could take the front shock off the Ranger, it would still hold itself up. If you took a strut off, the vehicle would fall to the ground as the strut is not just a shock, but also incorporates part of the suspension that suspends the vehicle off the ground.

This whole confusion started when car manufacturers started using what is lnown as "McPherson Strut" suspension. In this suspension the "strut" is the upper control member. There is only the lower control arm and the strut which incorporates the damper (shock) and spring. In our coil over suspension there are still upper and lower control arms. It is just that the shock and spring is packaged as a unit instead of separately as in the old days. It has for some reason picked up the name strut.

Now I will date myself. In the 60s and 70s chrysler use a suspension the didn’t have springs. It used torsion bars attached between the lower control arms and a frame crossmember. You could adjust the front height by adjusting the torgue setting on the bar.

 

[Psycho78]

Remember that the saying goes "you get what you pay for". Just because it's cheap does not mean it's good. Keep that in mind

True. But also.doesnt mean it's absolutely trash either. Gotta find that balance for your needs. These coil over shocks from RC are 1/8 in thicker roughly and about 2.5 longer. I didn't measure length. Sitting next to the stock ones id be shocked if they aren't at least a minor upgrade. We'll see.

 

[Psycho78]

The squat is 3/4 inch. I’m guessing the tongue weight is a little over 350 when I picked it up. Didn’t weight it but lift 5 days a week and have a pretty good idea on weight. Hopefully the pictures attach.

Currently sitting high in front. Haven't done alignment or put in Bilstein rear yet. I'm hoping the Bilstein raise it half an inch. Things might settle a bit once riding and aligned. Hope so. Not getting alignment till 5100s are in rear and they don't come in till Tuesday..... Patience time. I hate patience ?

 

[Psycho78]

This whole confusion started when car manufacturers started using what is lnown as "McPherson Strut" suspension. In this suspension the "strut" is the upper control member. There is only the lower control arm and the strut which incorporates the damper (shock) and spring. In our coil over suspension there are still upper and lower control arms. It is just that the shock and spring is packaged as a unit instead of separately as in the old days. It has for some reason picked up the name strut.

Now I will date myself. In the 60s and 70s chrysler use a suspension the didn’t have springs. It used torsion bars attached between the lower control arms and a frame crossmember. You could adjust the front height by adjusting the torgue setting on the bar.

The way I see it, based on what I have researched, you can take a shock off without affecting the way the vehicle sits. If you could take the front shock off the Ranger, it would still hold itself up. If you took a strut off, the vehicle would fall to the ground as the strut is not just a shock, but also incorporates part of the suspension that suspends the vehicle off the ground.

Thanks good info for sure. The strut being supportive in itself makes a lot more sense. I'm not a mechanic, so never really knew the difference. Now motorcycles I know, especially antique ones.

 

[OldHippy]

While mine is not completely level, I did raise about 1.5" in the front with the Eibach's. I don't see any reason you can't raise the front some if you want. I only rarely load it down with something and it doesn't squat much. The good thing about the Eibach's is you can choose 0-3" of lift up front. But I guess if you are going to consistently have a load on the rear, you might need to reconsider the level.
If you change how the front sits, you need to readjust your headlight aim.
BTW, the Ranger does not have struts, they have coil over shocks up front.

Hmm. I have a 2020 xlt 4x4 and all parts places call the front, " Struts". I understand the "coil over" name also. But which is the most accurate?

 

[Frenchy]

Hmm. I have a 2020 xlt 4x4 and all parts places call the front, " Struts". I understand the "coil over" name also. But which is the most accurate?

Strut is plenty accurate. A Strut not only controls the load like a shock, but also supports the load by having a coil spring on it. On cars and some compact SUV's you will also notice the Strut to act as a pivot point up top when no upper control arm is present.

 

[got3fords]

Thanks good info for sure. The strut being supportive in itself makes a lot more sense. I'm not a mechanic, so never really knew the difference. Now motorcycles I know, especially antique ones.

Coil over is more accurate. Gemini explains it well. A strut is technically a type of coil over.
"The main difference is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicle's suspension frame, while a coilover (typically) refers to an adjustable performance upgrade or a specific configuration where the spring sits over the shock.

It is a confusing topic because technically, almost all struts are "coilovers" (a coil spring over a shock), but in the car world, the terms refer to two different applications.

Here is the breakdown of the differences.

1. The Strut (MacPherson Strut)

A strut is a structural chassis component.1 It doesn't just dampen bumps; it actually holds the wheel in place and keeps the car from flopping onto the ground.

• Structural Role: It replaces the upper control arm and upper ball joint.2 If you remove the strut, the wheel hub will flop over and disconnect from the car's geometry.
  
  
  
• Steering: In the front of the car, the strut pivots when you turn the steering wheel.3
  
  
  
• Factory Standard: Most modern economy and passenger cars (like a Toyota Camry or Honda Civic) come with struts because they are cost-effective and save space.4
  
  
  

2. The Coilover (Aftermarket/Performance)


"Coilover" is short for "Coil Spring Over Shock."5 While technically a strut is also a coil-over-shock, when people say "Coilovers," they are almost always talking about adjustable performance suspension.

• Adjustability: The defining feature of a "coilover" kit is a threaded body that allows you to spin a collar up and down to change the vehicle's ride height (lowering the car).6
  
  
  
• Tuning: Higher-end coilovers often have knobs to adjust "damping" (how stiff or soft the ride is).7
  
  
  
• Non-Structural (Usually): In many performance cars (like a Mazda Miata or older Hondas with double-wishbone suspension), the coilover supports the vehicle's weight but does not replace the control arms. You could technically remove it, and the suspension geometry (arms) would still hold the wheel hub in place (though the car would drop to the ground).

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Strut	Coilover (Aftermarket)
Primary Job	Structural support + Damping	Performance + Damping
Adjustability	Usually Fixed (Non-adjustable)	Adjustable (Height, Stiffness, Camber)
Cost	Lower (standard maintenance part)	Higher (performance upgrade)
Comfort	Tuned for comfort/daily driving	Tuned for handling (often stiffer)
Installation	Replaces structural leg of car	Can replace struts OR shocks/springs

The "Car Guy" Terminology Trap


This is where most people get stuck.

• Fact: A MacPherson Strut is a coil-over-shock design.8
  
  
  
• Usage: If you go to a mechanic and ask for "coilovers," they will assume you want to lower your car and make it stiffer for racing/aesthetics. If you ask for "struts," they will assume you just want to repair your stock suspension to how it was when it left the factory."

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