TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:49 am

Well I talked to my mechanic and he indicated that I do in fact have struts that have a perch for the spring which then wrap and the shock. He said this is how it works with the 4 wheel drive 87 Syncro. So I pose my question again and ask if any knows where I might find said item? I'm also looking for parts to rehab the rollers on my slider as the center glide has lost the wheels(bearings). Thanks ... Z

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:07 am

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/smartlist_1236/shocks.html
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_category.php?id=91

Did you even click the referenced link? If you want cheap go to your FLAPS.

You say strut, I say shock. Gowesty calls them shocks so who am i to argue?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:54 am

zigsbus wrote: Well I talked to my mechanic and he indicated that I do in fact have struts Z
:shock: ...hmmm...I would consider a new mechanic..?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 9:23 am

Yes I did click the referenced link thanks for your help. As far a new mechanic... think I'll stick with guy who's kept me & da bus on the road for 21 years.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 10:36 am

This is truly a study in semantics. The front shock on a Syncro is more than just a shock. However it is also less than an MacPherson/Chapman strut. The shock on the front of a Syncro employs two functions.

First, it supplies the dampening necessary to control the energy relayed be the coil spring, hence it being called a shock absorber.

Second, it also acts as a load carrying device which supports the entire weight of the front of the vehicle, hence it sometimes being referred to as a strut.

Some people will refer to it as a coilover, but by true definition this would be incorrect. A true coilover holds the spring captive in a complete assembly (shock, spring, upper and lower spring retainers) which is then installed into the vehicle as a unit.

So we all know that it is a shock. We also know that it supports the weight of the vehicle, unlike a normal shock absorber. What the shock is missing, or better yet what it is not performing, is two key functions that would truly make it either a MacPherson/Chapman strut or a coilover.

In order to make it a true MacPherson or Chapman strut, the shock would also have to perform a role that locates the wheel in a particular position. It does not. In order to be a true coilover, the shock would have to contain the entirety of the spring including the upper and lower spring mounting points. The Syncro shock lacks the upper spring mounting point (which is located on the chassis) so therefore it cannot be truly called a coil-over either.

You can see that the Syncro shock/strut/coilover is truly a hybrid. So what do we call it?

By definition, a strut (not a MacPherson/Chapman strut) is described as:

Main Entry: 2strut
Function: noun
Date: 1587
1 : a structural piece designed to resist pressure in the direction of its length

The Syncro front, lower spring perch and the front, lower shock mount combined do perform this function which take it above and beyond a normal shock absorber, therefore I have always referred to it as a strut....right or wrong.

Sometimes I wonder what's wrong with me!!!!!

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:24 am

Ok, it's a shut.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:37 am

So I see we have beat this to death. The guy needs to buy new (ones) either way. So to him I say go with OME's . I like mine. END of STORY!

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:44 am

Dats what I'm gonna do! OME's it is... Any help on da parts for the slider (side door). Thanks... Z

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:46 am

For the slider, check into skateboard bearings. No joke!!! I heard they are the same size and are super cheap.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:47 am

What about a "strock"

Thu Nov 20, 2008 11:48 am

iceracer wrote: For the slider, check into skateboard bearings. No joke!!! I heard they are the same size and are super cheap.

No kidding! Wow thanks !!!

Thu Nov 20, 2008 12:24 pm

fairweather wrote: Ok, it's a shut.

zigsbus wrote: What about a "strock"

I can hear it now:

"Hello, VanCafe? I need a new set of shuts for my Syncro!"
"What do you mean you don't have shuts? Well what about strocks?"
"No, I am not drunk!"