Struts/Shocks

[Frenchy]

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."

As much as you want to believe yourself and AI, AI likes to contradict itself. Keep in mind that a Strut does not have to have a pivot point up top for the Steering. It simply has to Support and Control the load at the same time. The Ranger and my Frontier along with other vehicles on the market with similar front end designs have what is called SLA Strut suspension. Why is it called SLA Strut? Because you have a Short Arm and Long Arm with a Strut.

What differs a Strut from a Shock? A Shock only Controls the load. A Strut also has the ability to Support the load with a Coil Spring. Not all Struts have a Pivot Point on top to turn with the steering.

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[got3fords]

As much as you want to believe yourself and AI, AI likes to contradict itself. Keep in mind that a Strut does not have to have a pivot point up top for the Steering. It simply has to Support and Control the load at the same time. The Ranger and my Frontier along with other vehicles on the market with similar front end designs have what is called SLA Strut suspension. Why is it called SLA Strut? Because you have a Short Arm and Long Arm with a Strut.

What differs a Strut from a Shock? A Shock only Controls the load. A Strut also has the ability to Support the load with a Coil Spring. Not all Struts have a Pivot Point on top to turn with the steering.

My search results are consistent.
"The 2021 Ford Ranger, which is part of the T6 platform generation (2019–2023), uses an Independent Suspension system in the front, specifically:

Coil-Over-Shock Double Wishbone

While many people, including aftermarket parts manufacturers, often use the term "strut" for the front assembly, the Ranger's design is technically a Double Wishbone (or Short-Long Arm/SLA style) configuration that utilizes a Coil-Over-Shock assembly."

 

[Bullet]

I’m getting a leveling kit installed very soon and I was deciding between the RC leveling struts and the Bilstein 5100s. The shop I’m using recommended the Bilsteins over the RC struts. They didn’t provide specifics just that I would be way happier choosing the Bilsteins.

I went with Bilsteins at all four corners with fronts set to 1.8 @ approx 75,000 miles. I'm approaching 100,000 miles and no issues at all. Better ride and better aesthetics (in my opinion). I've towed once in a while, again no issues.

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