Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Suspension Coilovers ... what are they?

just as the subject says, can somebody clear that up for me? thanx id appreciate it ....

On older Mustangs, which have a "modified MacPherson" strut configuration, the spring and the strut are side-by-side.

In a normal MacPherson strut configuration, the strut is inside the spring.

A coilover refers to changing the strut configuration from a modified MacPherson strut to a normal MacPherson strut, so that the strut is now inside the spring.

Long time reader, ocational poster.

Coil over simply means the spring is located around (coaxial) the damper. Mac struts are typically coil overs. Coil overs are also used on the Miata (coil over but not a strut) and many (most?) motorcycle rear ends.
Contours are coil overs. Most vehicles with live rear axles (trucks, many SUV's Mustangs etc) do not have coil overs. You will see the spring and the shock absorber/damper next to each other.

These replies may be correct, but in the context in which it is used around here, "coilovers" refers to a coil-over-strut configuration with an adjustable-height spring perch. Search "Ground Control" if the search is working. Also Leda ($$$).