How does a shock work?
A shock absorber, also known as a shock, is a mechanical device that is designed to smooth out and dampen the kinetic energy that is transmitted through a vehicle's suspension system. It does this by converting some of that energy into heat energy, which is then dissipated into the air.
A shock absorber consists of a cylinder that is filled with a fluid, typically oil. Inside the cylinder is a piston that moves up and down as the shock absorber is subjected to different loads and forces. The movement of the piston causes the fluid to flow through a series of small passages and valves, which helps to dampen the motion of the suspension and reduce the amount of kinetic energy that is transmitted to the vehicle's body.
In general, shocks are an important component of a vehicle's suspension system, as they help to smooth out the ride and provide better handling and stability by controlling the movement of the wheels and suspension. Without proper shock absorption, a vehicle's ride would be much rougher and less comfortable, and it would be more difficult to control.
What is a loaded strut?
A loaded strut is a type of suspension component that combines a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single, compact unit. It is called a "loaded" strut because it is pre-assembled with the spring already installed, making it ready to be installed into a vehicle's suspension system.
Loaded struts are used in many modern vehicles because they offer a number of advantages over traditional suspension systems. One of the main advantages is that they are much easier to install, as they do not require the use of separate springs and shocks. They also take up less space than traditional suspension systems, which can be beneficial in vehicles with limited space in the wheel well. Additionally, loaded struts can help to improve the ride and handling of a vehicle by providing a more consistent and controlled suspension system.
Overall, loaded struts are an important component of many modern vehicles, and they play a key role in helping to improve the ride and handling of those vehicles.
What is a reservoir shock?
A coilover is a type of suspension component that consists of a coil spring and a shock absorber combined into a single unit. The spring is typically mounted around the shock absorber, and the shock absorber is typically mounted on top of the spring. The term "coilover" is a combination of the words "coil" and "over," which refers to the fact that the spring is mounted over the shock absorber.
Coilovers are used in many different types of vehicles, and they are often preferred over traditional suspension systems because they offer a number of advantages. One of the main advantages is that they allow for more precise control over the suspension, as they allow the spring and shock absorber to be fine-tuned separately. This can help to improve the handling and ride of a vehicle, particularly when driving on rough or uneven surfaces. Additionally, coilovers are often more durable and longer-lasting than traditional suspension systems, which can be beneficial for high-performance or heavy-duty vehicles.
what is a reservoir shock?
A reservoir shock is a type of shock absorber that has an external reservoir attached to it. The reservoir is a separate chamber that is used to hold additional fluid, which helps to increase the shock's overall oil capacity.
There are several reasons why a reservoir shock might be used in a vehicle. One of the main reasons is to increase the shock's cooling capacity. When a shock absorber is subjected to a lot of heat and stress, the fluid inside can start to break down, which can cause the shock to become less effective. By adding a reservoir, it is possible to increase the amount of fluid that is available to the shock, which can help to dissipate heat more effectively and prevent the fluid from breaking down.
Another reason why a reservoir shock might be used is to increase the shock's overall oil capacity. This can be beneficial in situations where the shock is subjected to a lot of load or stress, such as when driving off-road or in other demanding conditions. By increasing the oil capacity, it is possible to reduce the risk of the shock overheating or failing under heavy loads.
Overall, reservoir shocks are a useful component in a variety of different types of vehicles, and they can help to improve the performance and durability of the suspension system.
So what is better for my vehicle? It depends on the application. Each one is not applicable to every vehicle. With different oil capacity and functions, each option has its advantages. It mostly depends on budget too when deciding. So if you know you're going to be offroading quite a bit in your vehicle you will definitely want to explore the coilover/ reservoir route to fulfill the needs of your vehicle. If you are going to have a truck thats mostly on the street, you can get away with a good pair of shocks. If you need recommendation, speak to a reputable shop to fine tune your needs.