Struts Vs. Shocks: What’s the Difference?

Shocks vs. Struts: At a Glance

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, take a look at this side-by-side comparison of shocks and struts for a quick overview of their duties and differences.

What Are Shocks?

Shock absorbers, colloquially known as shocks, are a key component of a vehicle’s suspension system. These dampers control the compression and rebound of the suspension when traversing bumps and dips, preventing your vehicle from bouncing all over the road when you hit a pothole or highway expansion joint. 

Shocks come in various types, including monotube, external reservoir, gas-charged, and more—however, the primary function of controlling your vehicle’s ride quality remains the same. 

Unlike struts, shocks aren’t a structural component. They don’t support the weight of the vehicle—meaning that if you remove the shocks, your vehicle’s suspension won’t collapse on itself. Most trucks and SUVs employ shocks on the rear, while the front may feature shocks or struts, depending on the suspension design.

What Do Shocks Do?

As aforementioned, shock absorbers control the compression and rebound of your vehicle’s suspension. They dampen movement, slowing the upward and downward movement of a vehicle for a smoother, more controlled, and more comfortable ride. Without shocks, a vehicle would rely solely on the springs to control suspension travel, resulting in violent, bouncy, and unstable movement.

What Are Struts?

Struts are a suspension component that combines the functionality of a shock absorber with added structural rigidity. Struts tie the suspension together, generally serving as a spring perch and an upper mounting point for the steering knuckle.  

Typically, struts are viewed as “assemblies,” comprising the strut itself, a coil spring, and a strut mount. Since struts are load-bearing, they help to support the vehicle’s weight while simultaneously serving as the damper for that corner. 

While struts are commonplace on the front-end of vehicles with independent front suspension, they’re not often used in the rear. However, some exceptions exist, like modern sedans, crossovers, and coupes.

What Do Struts Do?

Struts perform one of the core functions of conventional shocks—namely, dampening the movement of a vehicle’s suspension while driving over bumps, cornering, and braking. However, this is only half of the equation. In addition to shock absorption, struts also serve a significant structural role, supporting the vehicle's weight and tying together crucial components, such as the steering knuckles and chassis.  

Struts can also directly inform alignment and steering feel. In MacPherson-style front strut setups, where the vehicle lacks an upper control arm, the steering knuckle bolts directly to the strut body. Eccentric strut bolts and mounting holes allow for direct alignment adjustment from the strut assembly. 

Since struts play a larger role in a vehicle’s structure and often feature multiple components, they’re typically pricier to purchase and have installed than traditional shocks.

Shocks Vs. Struts Vs. Coilovers

If you’ve been researching suspension upgrades for some time, you’ve likely come across the term “coilovers.” So what sets these components apart from prototypical shocks and struts? 

Coilovers are similar to struts in shape, size, and purpose. Featuring built-in coil springs and strut mounts, coilovers serve both structural and dampening roles—like a strut. However, where they differ is in their application, performance, and adjustability.

Application

Starting with the application, coilovers are typically found on performance-oriented off-road or track vehicles. Optioned with alternative spring rates and heights, coilovers allow off-road rigs to sit higher and handle better in the dirt, or sports cars to sit lower and handle better on the street or track. 

Performance

Next, coilovers offer exceptional performance, though they sometimes sacrifice on-road comfort. Most coilovers are stiffer than traditional struts or coil spring/shock combinations, resulting in a slightly harsher ride on small bumps and dips. However, this stiffness is a pro when a vehicle is pushed to its limits—whether over large bumps or tight, fast corners—delivering a controlled, composed, and responsive ride.

Adjustability

Lastly, coilovers are adjustable. Using threaded bodies and interlocking collars, coilovers enable users to fine-tune factors such as spring preload and ride height, allowing them to adjust their vehicle’s stance precisely. Additionally, most coilovers feature adjustable rebound and damping, enabling you to fine-tune performance and adjust harshness according to driving conditions. 

While coilovers are typically more expensive than conventional shocks and struts, they’re often favored by enthusiasts for their enhanced performance and customization potential. If you’re looking for an upgrade beyond simple replacement struts or shocks, coilovers may be worth looking into.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Replace Shocks or Struts?

Although shocks and struts are engineered to last tens of thousands of miles, they’re still considered wear components. They don’t last forever, especially if you frequently tow, haul, or drive on rough terrain. Worn-out shocks and struts can significantly decrease ride quality and safety, so it’s best to replace them at the first sign of wear. 

Common symptoms of failing shocks or struts include: 

• Excessive bouncing over bumps or dips

• Nose-dive during braking or squatting during acceleration

• Excessive body roll while turning 

• Uneven or accelerated tire wear

• Fluid leaks from the shock or strut body

• Clunking or knocking over bumps

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to inspect your shocks or struts. If you notice obvious signs of wear, consider replacing them to avoid worsening drivability symptoms.

Shop Replacement Shocks and Struts at RealTruck

Whether you’re looking to restore ride quality to factory standards or significantly upgrade your vehicle’s suspension, RealTruck has the shocks, struts, and coilovers to get the job done. 

We offer a range of OE-style replacement parts, performance upgrades, and high-end coilovers from trusted manufacturers, ensuring reliable and solid performance.