One of the most common questions we get from customers is: "Is this a fully assembled strut that I can install right out of the box, or do I need to reuse my old springs and mounts?" The answer depends on whether you're buying a complete strut assembly or a bare shock or strut cartridge — and understanding the difference can save you time, money, and a trip back to the parts store.
A complete strut assembly — sometimes called a Quick-Strut, Strut-Plus, or loaded strut — comes with everything you need for installation in one box:
You unbolt your old assembly, bolt the new one in, and you're done. There is no need for a spring compressor or any special tools beyond standard hand tools. This is why complete strut assemblies are the preferred choice for DIY installers and many professional shops — they dramatically simplify the job.
A bare shock (or bare strut cartridge) is just the damper itself — the hydraulic component that controls the up-and-down motion of your suspension. It does not include a coil spring, mount, or any other hardware.
When you purchase a bare strut, you'll need to:
This approach makes sense when your springs and mounts are still in good condition and you only need to replace the worn damper. It's also the standard approach for shock absorbers on rear axles and other non-strut applications where the spring and shock are separate components.
Here's a quick decision guide:
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Your springs are sagging, worn, or you want a fresh feel | Complete strut assembly |
| You're doing the work yourself without a spring compressor | Complete strut assembly |
| Your vehicle has over 75,000–100,000 miles on the original struts | Complete strut assembly (springs and mounts are likely worn too) |
| Your springs are upgraded or in great shape and you only need a new damper | Bare strut |
| You or your shop have a spring compressor and experience | Either option works — your call |
| Your vehicle uses separate shocks and springs (many trucks, SUVs, and rear axles) | Bare shock (complete assemblies are not applicable) |
For cars, crossovers, and minivans, the most popular complete strut assembly brands we carry include:
For trucks and SUVs, complete strut assemblies and coilover options are available from:
To see only complete strut assemblies for your vehicle:
This will show you every loaded strut and coilover assembly that fits your specific vehicle. If no complete assemblies are available for your application, you'll want to shop the standard shocks and struts category for a bare replacement instead.
If you decide to go with a bare strut and plan to reuse your springs, please take spring compressor safety seriously. Coil springs store an enormous amount of energy. A spring that slips off a compressor can cause severe injury or worse. If you've never used a spring compressor, we strongly recommend either purchasing a complete strut assembly or having a professional shop handle the swap.
If you're not sure whether a complete assembly or a bare strut is the right call for your vehicle, contact our team. We help customers make this decision every day and we're happy to point you to the best option for your vehicle and your budget.