Struts or Shocks? 96 SpecED.
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Do-It-Yourselfer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 77
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From: Riverside, CA
Struts or Shocks? 96 SpecED.
I don't know what I need for my car? I have a 1996 Special Edition hatchback with a b18b1. It's been dropped with coilovers. I want to switch the coilovers out for lowering springs but I need to upgrade the dampers. My questions are, do I need shocks or struts? Is it different in the front from the back? Does the fact that my car has coilovers change what kind of dampers are in it? Do I need to change the kind of dampers I have now that I'm switching back to springs? Since I'm doing the labor myself do I need to buy any extra parts, like mounts or bushings? Last but not least, I'm under the impression that struts are shocks that have mountings for the spring to go around. Am I right or is there more to it?
Apathy Kills
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 60,714
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From: The Left Lane
The terms shock, strut and dampers are readily confused.
Technically, the correct damper for your Teg is a shock.
In general, struts are designed to work both as a structural mounting point for the wheel hub and to provide a lower seat for the spring.
A common example of a strut suspension design is the DC5 RSX's front end.
The 94-01 Integra, on the other hand, has upper and lower wishbones. These locate the wheel hub and provide the spring seat, leaving the shock to operate solely as a damper.
But in general, you buy dampers by model application.
I would suggest the Koni Yellow adjustable shock and a name-brand spring like Eibach, H&R or Tein. I would also recommend buying a set of rear lower control arm bolts. It's common for the rear LCA bolts to seize and require cutting or torching to remove. An air wrench would be a great asset.
Lastly, welcome to the board. :cheers:
Technically, the correct damper for your Teg is a shock.
In general, struts are designed to work both as a structural mounting point for the wheel hub and to provide a lower seat for the spring.
A common example of a strut suspension design is the DC5 RSX's front end.
The 94-01 Integra, on the other hand, has upper and lower wishbones. These locate the wheel hub and provide the spring seat, leaving the shock to operate solely as a damper.
But in general, you buy dampers by model application.
I would suggest the Koni Yellow adjustable shock and a name-brand spring like Eibach, H&R or Tein. I would also recommend buying a set of rear lower control arm bolts. It's common for the rear LCA bolts to seize and require cutting or torching to remove. An air wrench would be a great asset.
Lastly, welcome to the board. :cheers:
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I
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,525
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From: Westside til I die
He lives in Riverside, I doubt he'll have a problem with siezed LCA bolts.
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2015 Ford Mustang GT Fastback - Ingot Silver - 6M - Performance Package - Gibson Catback, JLT CAI, FR 47lb injectors, BAMA E85 tune, Eibach Sportline, BMR wheel hop kit, UPR oil separator, Steeda shifter bushing/bracket
Team B.O.B.® - Ballaz on a Budget
