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Strut vs coil over

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  • This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 11 years ago by KevKev.
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  • #554506
    aaronac8aaronac8
    Participant

      What is the difference between a strut and coil over?

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    • #554508
      RyanRyan
      Participant

        A strut is a dampener similar to shock that usually attaches to the wheel knuckle and the vehicle body. It supports the weight of the body with the accompanying coil spring and is mostly but not always found on unibody vehicles. It pivots with the steering in the front by way of a bearing plate at the top of the assembly under the strut tower.

        A coil over usually refers to an assembly of a coil spring mounted on a strut together.

        #554510
        aaronac8aaronac8
        Participant

          What about a MacPherson strut vs a coil over?

          #554525
          RyanRyan
          Participant

            MacPherson is a type of suspension system where the top of the damper acts as the pivot point for the steering.

            Basically, one of the most widely used suspension types, especially on front wheel drive cars.

            As stated, coil over refers to an assembly of a coil spring mounted on a strut.

            #554538
            Kevin CriswellKevin Criswell
            Participant

              A strut is any suspension component with the ability to support sideways loads not along its axis of compression therefore eliminating any need for an upper control arm.

              A coilover is when you combine a spring with a strut, making it a type of strut.

              A McPherson is a type of coilover

              Its kinda like asking what is the difference between a dog and a German Sheppard.

              #555429
              EricTheCarGuy 1EricTheCarGuy
              Keymaster

                [quote=”Raistian77″ post=75330]A strut is any suspension component with the ability to support sideways loads not along its axis of compression therefore eliminating any need for an upper control arm.

                A coilover is when you combine a spring with a strut, making it a type of strut.

                A McPherson is a type of coilover

                Its kinda like asking what is the difference between a dog and a German Sheppard.[/quote]

                I agree, it’s just semantics. Both are pretty much the same thing.

                #555598
                dandan
                Moderator

                  one big difference with coil overs and struts is you can adjust preload and ride height on many coil overs, on many struts you cannot, also some coilovers allow for easy changes in negative Camber for track use… i find coil overs very expensive too compared too McPherson struts

                  i have been thinking about getting coil overs beacuse it would be a good way too get some slightly stiffer springs without needing too drop my car 1-2 inches, don’t want too reduce right height here too much in Michigan, thats asking for trouble, i can adjust the right height too what i want.

                  #555603
                  Kevin CriswellKevin Criswell
                  Participant

                    Remember a McPherson is just one type of coilover strut. It is a very simple arrangement that allows for maximum life with minimum maintenance. Many other coilovers are more complex doing like you mentioned allowing for a spring-preload change and easier alignment.

                    #555841
                    KevKev
                    Participant

                      “Coilover” these days is just a generic term for ‘ride height adjustable McPherson struts’.

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