1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Tundras don't have struts

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by jberry813, Jan 13, 2017.

  1. Jan 13, 2017 at 1:35 PM
    #1
    jberry813

    jberry813 [OP] The Mad Scientist Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2014
    Member:
    #68
    Messages:
    1,920
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Lake Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum, 2012 Tacoma, 2007 T4R
    Metric shit ton of parts
    The level of suspension misinformation and incorrect verbiage and nomenclature on Tundras is spreading faster than herpes at ASU. Please educate yourself.

    While they are visually similar, struts and coilovers are two very different things. The term "strut" originates from a MacPherson strut based suspension system. In a traditional MacPherson suspension, components include a lower control arm, a hub/spindle assembly, and a damper/coil assembly (known as a strut) that bolts to the top of hub at the bottom of the strut and attaches to the body or frame buckets at the top of the strut. Note...there is no frame mounted upper control arm with a MacPherson strut suspension. The strut itself is an integral part of the actual suspension pivots and steering. Struts provide vertical and lateral support. If you remove the strut, there is nothing holding the suspension together and the hub and wheels would flop all over the damn place however they see fit. Also the spindle/knuckle takes a significantly larger linear load when compared to a coilover based system as the entire weight of the vehicle is supported by the spindle. In addition, since there is only a single arm, the camber changes much more significantly as the suspension cycles up and down. This is why MacPherson strut based systems are used in vehicles with small amounts of wheel travel.

    [​IMG]


    In contrast, a coilover (coil over shock) based suspension has both upper and lower control arms/links. The UCA/LCA have outer pivots that attach to the hub and inner pivots off the frame. The coilover itself plays no role in the suspension pivot points. You can remove the entire coilover assembly, and the suspension will pivot and turn exactly as it would with the coilover installed (the truck would just be sitting on it's nuts). The only purpose a coilover serves is to dampen the suspension oscillation (the shock's role), and to set vehicle ride height (the spring's role)...that's it! The double arm geometry allows for less extreme camber change as the suspension cycles. Every single Tundra since inception came from the factory with a coilover based front suspension. Yes...you have coilovers...stock. In addition, coilover does not mean adjustable. It simply means the coil spring surrounds the shock absorber and the assembly is independent of the suspension.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]

    Now I realize this will probably fall on deaf ears. Typical responses are "tomato tamaato" or "you know what I'm talking about." But then again, why not sound like you actually know what the fuck you are talking about? It's not going to hurt you to sound and be more educated. Its the same contrast with firearm magazines vs. clips.

    Go forth and be educated.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 13, 2017
  2. Jan 13, 2017 at 1:45 PM
    #2
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Good info Jason ;)
     
    T-Rex266 and jberry813[OP] like this.
  3. Jan 13, 2017 at 1:48 PM
    #3
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    Very detailed as usual Jason. Thanks for the tech.
     
  4. Jan 13, 2017 at 2:21 PM
    #4
    ej63090

    ej63090 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2016
    Member:
    #5379
    Messages:
    693
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    McHenry, Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Crewmax SR5
    Nice work!
     
  5. Jan 13, 2017 at 2:29 PM
    #5
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2015
    Member:
    #966
    Messages:
    3,345
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Michael
    Rock Hill, SC
    :thumbsup: As soon as I move to Lake Tahoe, I wanna buy you a beer. :rofl:
     
    jbeezy, Black Wolf, T-Rex266 and 2 others like this.
  6. Jan 13, 2017 at 2:54 PM
    #6
    D1227

    D1227 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3660
    Messages:
    767
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dustin
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    16crewmax
    Actually I have wondered what the difference was. Definitely wasn't going to ask on the forum...all I knew was coilover sounded cooler to me than strut. Thanks for the info
     
    Last edited: Jan 13, 2017
    jbeezy, GODZILLA, LiftMeUp and 2 others like this.
  7. Jan 13, 2017 at 2:55 PM
    #7
    jberry813

    jberry813 [OP] The Mad Scientist Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2014
    Member:
    #68
    Messages:
    1,920
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Lake Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum, 2012 Tacoma, 2007 T4R
    Metric shit ton of parts
    LOL. What the fuck is going on here. Some moderator tomfoolery.

    @Sean266
     
  8. Jan 13, 2017 at 3:00 PM
    #8
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
  9. Jan 13, 2017 at 3:03 PM
    #9
    TruckyTruck

    TruckyTruck Dumbest Username

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #20
    Messages:
    3,613
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gary
    Texas
    Thanks prof...
     
  10. Jan 13, 2017 at 3:05 PM
    #10
    jberry813

    jberry813 [OP] The Mad Scientist Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2014
    Member:
    #68
    Messages:
    1,920
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Lake Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum, 2012 Tacoma, 2007 T4R
    Metric shit ton of parts
     
  11. Jan 13, 2017 at 3:24 PM
    #11
    sdhq_offroad

    sdhq_offroad New Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2016
    Member:
    #3253
    Messages:
    1,162
    GILBERT, AZ
    Corrected back to normal LT. Dan
     
    zcarpenter92 and jberry813[OP] like this.
  12. Jan 13, 2017 at 3:31 PM
    #12
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2015
    Member:
    #2160
    Messages:
    25,307
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jose
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Crew Max TRD
    TRD Pro Grille, ESP Storage, Tailgate Inserts, Line-X Bedliner, Weathertech Floorliners, Wet Okole Seat Covers, 5" Shorty Antenna, Mickey Thompson MM-366 Wheels, ToyTec Boss, 35" BFG KO2 to name a few.
    Thanks Jerry :rofl:
    All good info. I don't know shit and definitely don't know what the fuck I'm talking about, but this helps me talk a little bit more intelligently on this forum. Appreciate the write up.
     
    mdavis and jberry813[OP] like this.
  13. Jan 13, 2017 at 3:55 PM
    #13
    D1227

    D1227 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2016
    Member:
    #3660
    Messages:
    767
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dustin
    Western Washington
    Vehicle:
    16crewmax
    What did I miss?:notsure:
     
  14. Jan 13, 2017 at 4:10 PM
    #14
    Carlos@Camburg

    Carlos@Camburg Carlos @ Camburg Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2016
    Member:
    #5537
    Messages:
    60
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Carlos
    Huntington Beach
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra DC
    Camburg UCA Bilstein 6112 KMC Wheels General Tires Rigid Lights
    sure the verbage might be off a little. but if you go into a shop asking for a double wishbone suspension, you're probably gonna look like a dummy too. lol

    call em shocks, springs & a- arms. lol
     
    jberry813[OP] likes this.
  15. Jan 13, 2017 at 4:21 PM
    #15
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    jberry813[OP] likes this.
  16. Jan 13, 2017 at 4:36 PM
    #16
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2016
    Member:
    #3495
    Messages:
    1,627
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    29 Palms, CA
    Vehicle:
    Tundra-less
    Dang, Jberry is on a roll today. Must be stuck inside because of all the snow.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  17. Jan 13, 2017 at 4:40 PM
    #17
    jberry813

    jberry813 [OP] The Mad Scientist Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2014
    Member:
    #68
    Messages:
    1,920
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Lake Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum, 2012 Tacoma, 2007 T4R
    Metric shit ton of parts
    Oh good lord. I hate you guys :rofl:

    I didn't make this thread (at least not here in tundras). I made it on TW and a mod did some spy shit to make it seem like I made it here too.
     
  18. Jan 13, 2017 at 4:41 PM
    #18
    jberry813

    jberry813 [OP] The Mad Scientist Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2014
    Member:
    #68
    Messages:
    1,920
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Lake Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum, 2012 Tacoma, 2007 T4R
    Metric shit ton of parts
    Not at all. I've been snow bashing all over town all week in 4wd and chained up. Actually just leaving Reno from picking up truck parts and goodies.
     
  19. Jan 13, 2017 at 4:48 PM
    #19
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3549
    Messages:
    11,577
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Warren
    Santa Cruz
    Vehicle:
    '16 CM limited
    TC long travel. Deaver 420 SU leaf packs.
    I hereby solemnly swear to never confuse, in person or in print, a coil over with a strut, so help me lawd!
    , upload_2017-1-13_16-47-50.jpg.
     
    Bob_Wiley, hagrid, GODZILLA and 8 others like this.
  20. Jan 13, 2017 at 5:30 PM
    #20
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY No Complaints

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2016
    Member:
    #4379
    Messages:
    1,250
    Gender:
    Male
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 4x4 CrewMax SR5
    PRO shocks, 37's Nitto G2's 4:88 diffs, few other mods
    Thanks for that write up Jason. Great having a Mad Scientist on here that knows what they're talking about and follows it up with hard facts. PLEASE don't bash your head into the keyboard, it gets kinda messy.
     
    aperezsh and jberry813[OP] like this.
  21. Jan 13, 2017 at 5:40 PM
    #21
    ej63090

    ej63090 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2016
    Member:
    #5379
    Messages:
    693
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    McHenry, Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Crewmax SR5
    I keep getting shit from my buddy who has a wrangler because I keep asking him if he is going to throw some coilovers on it. Keep forgetting that it is an independent coil and shock. Suspension is confusing.
     
    jberry813[OP] likes this.
  22. Jan 13, 2017 at 5:42 PM
    #22
    ej63090

    ej63090 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2016
    Member:
    #5379
    Messages:
    693
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    McHenry, Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2017 White Crewmax SR5
    Another thing to consider on the trucks they have no strut towers in the engine bay. On my Corolla which have struts they are mounted through the tower in the engine bay.
     
    jberry813[OP] likes this.
  23. Jan 13, 2017 at 5:49 PM
    #23
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    These are def your words, and since you were just talking about it on another thread it only seemed appropriate that you write it up here too.
     
    jberry813[QUOTED][OP] and D1227 like this.
  24. Jan 13, 2017 at 6:08 PM
    #24
    jberry813

    jberry813 [OP] The Mad Scientist Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2014
    Member:
    #68
    Messages:
    1,920
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jason
    Lake Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2015 Tundra Platinum, 2012 Tacoma, 2007 T4R
    Metric shit ton of parts
    No joke. Litterally LOL. Even spit some beer.

    No promises

    I wouldn't call it "confusing" in the traditional sense. But if it's completely new, it's drinking from a fire hose. Look, I'm a computer/software tech geek. Just ask @Bob. This truck shit is just a hobby. But math is math...and I'm good at that.

    Correct. Tundras have a frame mounted coil bucket to support the coilover :cookiemonster:

    Touche
     
    Bob likes this.
  25. Jul 13, 2017 at 5:33 AM
    #25
    Redbeard321

    Redbeard321 ballin' on a budget

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2017
    Member:
    #8489
    Messages:
    264
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra SR5 Double Cab
    I'm new to the tundra world, so go easy on me. Rams had two different suspension setups for 4x2 and 4x4, one had springs and shocks the other had struts. Is there a different setup on the tundra for 4x2 and 4x4?
     
  26. Jul 13, 2017 at 6:12 AM
    #26
    zcarpenter92

    zcarpenter92 Yotas and Yellow Jackets

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2015
    Member:
    #973
    Messages:
    5,255
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zach
    NE Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2008 Desert Sand 5.7L DC
    In sig
    Nope. It's coilovers either way.
     
    831Tun likes this.
  27. Jul 13, 2017 at 6:29 AM
    #27
    Redbeard321

    Redbeard321 ballin' on a budget

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2017
    Member:
    #8489
    Messages:
    264
    Gender:
    Male
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2016 Tundra SR5 Double Cab
    Good news. That means a 2wd Tundra can use bilstein 5100s? That was my biggest pet peeve of the ram 2wd.
     
  28. Jul 13, 2017 at 6:51 AM
    #28
    Radworker

    Radworker New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2017
    Member:
    #8471
    Messages:
    89
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma DCSB 4X Sport
    Dented Bumper
  29. Jul 13, 2017 at 6:58 AM
    #29
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    Yes it can.
     
    zcarpenter92 likes this.
  30. Oct 14, 2017 at 9:17 PM
    #30
    UTTundra

    UTTundra New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Member:
    #8898
    Messages:
    665
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lou
    Utah
    Thanks for the info. Called numerous shops around me a few months ago to get a quote on new shocks. Everyone kept telling me I have struts.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top