shock vs strut

[Loil]

Hi guys! please help me out. What is the difference between kyb agx SHOCK and kyb STRUT? Are they for different type of driving needs? I am getting ground control coilovers for my 99 Integra GSR. Should i go with strut or shock. thanks! Forgive me if i sound like a dumbass. LOL

 

[Prowler]

they're used interchangably. if it says agx struts/shocks for your gen car, they will work

 

[asmallsol]

Integra's/ pre 2001 civics do not have struts. Struts actually serve a double purpose, in that not only do they dampen, they also are structual members of the suspension. However, many people (incorrectly) use the two names interchangeablly (sp?).

 

[E_SolSi]

 

[jamesA]

Originally posted by asmallsol@Jul 13 2004, 11:27 AM
Integra's/ pre 2001 civics do not have struts. Struts actually serve a double purpose, in that not only do they dampen, they also are structual members of the suspension. However, many people (incorrectly) use the two names interchangeablly (sp?).

I'm one of them. Could you explain why they're not the same and how to tell the difference? I know B has corrected me once in saying my si has shocks, where as my Escort had Struts...

Whats the difference?

 

[90 accord]

i have always wondered this as well. enlighten us!

 

[BigJ]

I believe it has something to do with the macpherson strut design on the 01+ civics.

I have no clue what the difference is besides that it changed in that year on civics.

I usually just call it a damper myself.

 

[asmallsol]

this is just cut and pasted from Cartalk.com

Struts and shocks are very similar in function, but very different in design. The job of both is to control excessive spring motion; however, struts are also a structural component of the suspension. Struts can take the place of two or three conventional suspension components and are often used as a pivot point for steering and to adjust the position of the wheels for alignment purposes. (Adjusting camber right at the pillowball mounts)

Also, when double wishbone compress's it add camber, helping the wheel align to the road, and in turn giving better handling. With mcfearson struts, it doesn't do that.

 

[phunky.buddha]

More clearly:

A strut is part of a suspension's geometry, a shock is not. Remove a strut and your suspension is incomplete- it just flops around. Remove a shock and you just have no damping- your geometry is still preserved.

 

[Loco Honkey]

Per my ASE books from college:

"A strut and a shock do the same thing, but the strut has mounts for a spring around it, and a shock is only bolted to the frame and lower control arm." Then it shows a picture of two struts- one like a MacPherson strut, and one like a Honda with an UCA, and then a picture of a suspension similar to almost all old American cars (and Foxbody Mustangs).

 

[bambam218]

Originally posted by Calesta@Jul 13 2004, 11:28 PM
More clearly:

A strut is part of a suspension's geometry, a shock is not.  Remove a strut and your suspension is incomplete- it just flops around.  Remove a shock and you just have no damping- your geometry is still preserved.

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I know what you mean I was driving Sat. morning I hit a bump and the right rear strut collapse. I have Dropzone Coilovers. I had to raise the car back up, It ride likes shit but I orderd two new rear kyb gr2 66.00$ for both.. I tried driving it was like a Trampolean.