4th Gen Suspension Question

[JP4RNR]

I am not positive but it looks like the rear of the 4th gen has standard shocks while the front has struts? Do regular shocks install within the coil spring? Usually a shock absorber mounted within the coil spring is a strut, correct?

I have an 06 2WD

 

[drmorbius]

I am not positive but it looks like the rear of the 4th gen has standard shocks while the front has struts? Do regular shocks install within the coil spring? Usually a shock absorber mounted within the coil spring is a strut, correct?

I have an 06 2WD

The shocks in the front struts have a coil spring support plate which is part of the shock body. The rear shocks do not have/need this feature. As for rates between front and rear I have no idea but they will be different part numbers for sure.

 

[Uneek]

I say the 4Runner's front shock and coil setup is a coil-over, since it doesn't entirely hold the wheels to the vehicle like a strut setup or Mac-Pherson front suspension. The 4Runner has upper and lower control arms that handles the side ways load. I believe the definition of a strut is if it's missing are wheels still attached to the vehicle. If the wheels are no longer attached, it's a strut.

As defined in Wikipedia:

An automotive suspension strut combines the primary function of a shock absorber (as a damper), with the ability to support sideways loads not along its axis of compression, somewhat similar to a sliding pillar suspension, thus eliminating the need for an upper suspension arm. This means that a strut must have a more rugged design, with mounting points near its middle for attachment of such loads.

Wikipedia for coil over. The ones pictured are adjustable coil-overs. I say the pair on the left are struts while the right ones are coil-overs.