Tacomas don't have struts

"In other configurations, the coil spring is mounted to the shock absorber as a single unit supporting the vehicle. This is typically referred to as a strut but is sometimes called a coilover. In fact, coilover is just a shortened version of 'coil spring over shock absorber,' and sometimes coilovers are indeed struts but not always. In the field, the main difference between coilovers vs. struts is adjustability and customization."

I agree with most of this; I may even remove "sometimes". Coilovers, by design, are struts. I can't think of any instance (not saying there isn't one) where a coilover would be installed for any other purpose than to resist compression along its longitudinal axis. This Napa source loses credibility with me, however, with that last statement concerning adjustability and customization. Adjustability/customization don't really have anything to do with a coilover being a coilover. It could be adjustable and it could not be adjustable; still a coilover, still a strut.

I wouldn't analogize it to soda vs. pop; more like soda vs. drink. A soda/pop is a type of drink but a drink is not necessarily a soda. Likewise, a coilover assembly is a type of strut, but a strut is not necessarily a coilover assembly. Sticking with your analogy, coilovers could be the soda, MacPherson struts could be the pop, but they're both drinks.

Nothing wrong with never having referred to a coilover as a strut before. Call it a coilover or call it a strut; most will know what you're referring to and you're not wrong either way.

 

People are still using the word "strut" to describe their front shocks.

Even vendors are doing it!

 

Necro'd on a funky Friday? Alrighty.

 

This was well written, usefull information for others. Nicely done and well said.

 

This thread reminds me of the square and rectangle thing. I'm probably repeating some of the comments, I didn't really pay attention to em, but maybe all coilovers are struts but not all struts are coilovers