Front shocks or struts?

[Shylok's]

Hi I have a 02' z71 Avalanche and I want to replace the front suspension. Z71 came with gas charged shocks it said but then an auto parts guy told me they're gas charged struts. Does anyone know which is it? Struts cost a ton more than shocks and I know they're different and not the same so can someone tell me what to buy please? And any pictures would help too please. Thank you.

 

[Raekal]

Hi I have a 02' z71 Avalanche and I want to replace the front suspension. Z71 came with gas charged shocks it said but then an auto parts guy told me they're gas charged struts. Does anyone know which is it? Struts cost a ton more than shocks and I know they're different and not the same so can someone tell me what to buy please? And any pictures would help too please. Thank you.

They will be shocks. Some people use the term interchangeably, but they're different. Struts often offer a smaller overall package and are used in most cars. But like you noticed, they're more expensive. They're more common on certain models today for better suspension feel. Newer avalanches use them because they did away with some of the truck aspects in favor of better ride quality.

Here's a link to the install, which has graphic diagrams. https://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.c...ads/steering-and-suspension.44251/post-720970

This is one of the reasons that unless you need the part today, sites like rock auto can be really helpful as they show all the options for that vehicle and are definitely cheaper more often than not. You probably can buy the GM shocks for the same price. (if you want to use them, im sure someone has a 5% discount code as well, id have to find mine) Just assume parts store employees know less than you do unless otherwise disproven.

2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 5.3L V8 Shock Absorber | RockAuto

RockAuto ships auto parts and body parts from over 300 manufacturers to customers' doors worldwide, all at warehouse prices. Easy to use parts catalog.

www.rockauto.com

You should be able to buy any model your heart desires, it all depends on how you want it to feel. z71/ "off road packages" marked items will be ones similar to how your truck came from factory (firmer).


For visual comparison, this is an image of the ac delco shock for your truck.


And this is an ac delco strut for a 2012 avalanche.






Which, when loaded will look like this behind the wheel of a 2012. Notice how the coil spring rests between the strut mount on the top and the flat platform on the body of the strut. Yours will look totally different. (trying to find a good pic, cant remember is 1500's have coils or torsion bars)
Edit: Looks like torsion bars, meaning you wont see coil springs down there at all, just the tube of your shock.

 

[ygmn]

2002 had torsion bar springs and regular shocks.

2007+ had struts