Socks and strut question.

[Terry C]

I have a 99 SR5 with 265,000 miles and I need to replace the struts and shocks. I've read several threads talking about coil overs in place of struts. With the risk of sounding stupid, what's the difference between the two? It appears that there is not that much of a price difference so which is better, and why?

 

[Terry C]

Well crap I guess I should proof read before posting. STRUTS not socks.

 

[mxer]

Well crap I guess I should proof read before posting. STRUTS not socks.

Struts and struts question?

 

[Terry C]

I need to update the suspension on my runner and want to hear thoughts about going back with stock struts or upgrade. I see folks on here talking about coil overs and want to know the difference. I have never really paid that much attention as I always just paid someone to "fix" my vehicles without the thought of upgrades.

 

[nissanh]

If your struts are bad, you need struts. Coilovers are used to compress the coil spring inside the strut so as to hold more weight and to give a lift.

 

[Mynameistommy510]

Pretty rough on the posting hahaha:doh: but I see what you're getting at.

Coilovers allow you to adjust ride height without compromising ride comfort. Choosing the right strut and spring can be tough when balancing out height vs comfort. You'll see what I'm talking about with a quick glance at a coilover setup. As for the rear on a 4Runner you have to find that shock and strut, height vs comfort setup, as the strut/shock is mounted outside of the spring. I.e. You ain't puttin' a coilover setup in the rear.

 

[TNcaveman]

A spring holds the vehicle up and allows the suspension to move so ride quality is better than a lawn mower.

A shock is a dampener - or a device that prevents a vehicle from simply bouncing up and down the road uncontrollably.

On a 3rd gen, it uses coil springs at all 4 corners - front and rear.

In the rear, the spring is between the body/frame and axle. If you remove the rear shocks, the truck just sits there and smiles. The shocks are only there to dampen the springs.

In the front, the spring is captured at both ends by the shock. This is called a coil over spring. The shock is called a strut because it acts as a structural member of the vehicle. The front end would collapse with out this being mounted as a team between the lower suspension A-arm and frame.

Generally, when people refer to a coil over, I assume they are referring to a pre-assembled strut and spring combo.

Hope this helps.

Stephen

 

[threadlessclimber]

Socks and strut question? I'd definitely wear clean socks when I strut.

 

[rcrick]

Thanks for the laugh bros. lol

 

[Terry C]

TN caveman, I wasn't sure but I thought the strut is a coil over but I wasn't sure. Anyway I'm needing to do all four on mine and just wanted input into the best options. I don't want to lift it any really but I would like to level it up when I do change them

 

[my92t4r]

bangs for bucks, you can pickup some bilsteins 5100 front and rear for Tacoma. That should give you a stockish ride until you lift.

Replace the isolator and top hat if needed. Check all your other joints/bushings while you are down there too