Title says it.. What is the difference between shocks and struts? What does my 1997 Z28 have in the front and rear?

 

I am not sure on the difference. I know the fronts are struts at least because of "strut tower" bars.

 

I am pretty sure 4th gen's are coil over shocks in the front... 3rd gens are struts. Struts are just shocks/springs in one I think.

 

4th gen are not struts..
See Injuneer Fred's [the last post in this thread] post here:
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...ghlight=struts

 

4th gens aren't struts upfront, and STB = shock tower brace, check BMR website
http://www.bmrfabrication.com/F-bodyChassis.htm

almost all the way down.

 

Shocks merely dampen the spring rate. Struts do the same but are also a structural part of the suspension. The upper A arm is usually stationary in a strut setup. Strut type suspension is cheaper to make and doesn't give as good of a ride. Which is why mustangs use them. (or at least use to)

 

http://thunderracing.com/catalog/?ac...&vid=3&pcid=40

The BMR website would have to be the right one though.

 

it's a 'shock tower brace' not a 'strut tower brace' on a 4th gen..

 

Thanks Mr. Obvious.

 

Apparently not too obvious by your first post.

 

By the time he responded it had been pointed out three times already.

I am glad everyone feels the need to continue to point out that I was wrong, sorry for trying to help.

 

Rob:

Just curious..... what does GM call the suspension components in the 4th Gen, the shocks in particular?

I had this similar discussion on the "Suspension...." forum, and the conclusions by one individual was that "...I will keep calling them struts because that's what GM calls them."

 

If you read the posts, MY POST was the first, and only one, that didn't say 'I think they are this, or that' but had a link showing the actual differences [thank's Fred!] which SHOULD clear it up.. So one of the '3 posts already' was mine anyway..
Then you continue with your 2nd post [Thunder link] with what appeared to be an attempt to dispute it..
So I responded reaffirming that they are shocks..

Now I am responding THIS time to your 'cutting remark' [Mr. Obvious..] Which was very unneccessary.. [talk about useless unneeded posts!..]
I am not in the habit of making 'frivolous' posts..
It's just that this seems to get debated here on a weekly basis..

Fred and Rob, all references to shocks for 4th gen in both the parts CD and the 94 factory service manual for both F87 and F67 options are:
Absorber, Frt Shk
I see no reference at all to 'strut'..
Charlie

 

You poked at Charlie and I poked back a little. Sorry, I was j/k around ...as I hoped you were. Nothing to get excited over.



Fred, Charlie is right. I have never seen any reference to strut (only shock) in the parts book and in the factory service manual. It does not help the confusion when half of the vendors call them struts, too. People like you, Charlie and I are detail oriented, so it bothers us.