Difference between coil over and strut suspension?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 5,348
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Difference between coil over and strut suspension?
When looking at the various coil over kits they look to me like a McPherson or other strut, albeit a lot shorter. That is, the spring is captured and the shock is within the spring. What is the technical difference between a coil over suspension and a strut suspension?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,026
Likes: 1,383
From: Des Plaines, Il
Re: Difference between coil over and strut suspension? (Elk)
I think struts are part of the suspension geometry, while coil-overs aren't nessicarily part of the geometry. Coil over also tend to be adjustable ride height and smaller in diameter.
IE a strut would be a type of coil over suspension. But a car with a double wishbone suspension and running coilovers, its just a coilover, not a strut.
At least that's my understanding. YMMV.
edit
Look at this, mainly the part I bolded.
"MacPherson Strut Suspension
MacPherson Strut eliminates the need for the top control arm.
Invented in 1940s by Earl Macpherson of Ford motor company; first used on UK fords in 1950s.
Found on many medium to family size cars
Piston rod of shock absorber serve as kingpin axis (rotation axis) of wheel.
Lower link in form of A-arm or control links"
also this link http://www.fortunecity.com/silversto...uspension2.htm
[Modified by Midwayman, 5:49 PM 5/10/2004]
IE a strut would be a type of coil over suspension. But a car with a double wishbone suspension and running coilovers, its just a coilover, not a strut.
At least that's my understanding. YMMV.
edit
Look at this, mainly the part I bolded.
"MacPherson Strut Suspension
MacPherson Strut eliminates the need for the top control arm.
Invented in 1940s by Earl Macpherson of Ford motor company; first used on UK fords in 1950s.
Found on many medium to family size cars
Piston rod of shock absorber serve as kingpin axis (rotation axis) of wheel.
Lower link in form of A-arm or control links"
also this link http://www.fortunecity.com/silversto...uspension2.htm
[Modified by Midwayman, 5:49 PM 5/10/2004]
