Shocks and struts are both critical parts of a diesel truck's suspension system. However, each has a very specific job. Your vehicle is designed with either shocks or struts (or, in some cases, a combination). You cannot replace your shocks with struts and vice versa.

Shock Absorbers (Shocks)

Shock absorbers are hydraulic components that help minimize movement generated by the vehicle's springs. These springs absorb some of the jolts you might feel from uneven or damaged roads. Shocks primarily convert kinetic energy into heat to dampen spring oscillation, improving ride quality and tire contact with the road.

Struts

Struts are structural components of certain diesel trucks' steering and suspension systems. They usually consist of a coil spring and a shock absorber component built into one assembly. Struts are designed to be much stronger than shocks because they bear the weight of the vehicle and provide a critical structural connection between the chassis and the wheel assembly.

Key Difference for Diesel Vehicles:

Because struts are built to withstand the heavy curb weight and load capacity of many diesel vehicles (especially trucks and commercial models), they are often found on vehicles designed for more rigorous use.

If you replace only one shock or strut on your diesel truck, you will create an imbalance in the suspension system. The new component will perform far better than the old, worn component on the opposite side.

This imbalance will cause poor handling when changing lanes, cornering, or driving over bumps. It can lead to:

• Uneven Tire Wear: The vehicle will lean, causing tires to wear unevenly.
• Reduced Stability: Critical for diesel trucks that carry or tow heavy loads, instability can become dangerous.

While it may be acceptable to replace only one if the vehicle is brand new and the other component is clearly not worn, RG Diesel, LLC strongly recommends replacing both shocks or struts on the axle (front or rear) simultaneously. This ensures balanced performance and optimal safety for your diesel truck.

While replacing a shock absorber can sometimes be a straightforward job, they should always be replaced by a professional diesel technician.

For many diesel truck models, accessing the shocks (especially the front ones) requires other heavy-duty components to be carefully removed or replaced. Given the weight and complexity of the suspension systems on diesel vehicles, proper torque and installation are critical for safety.

Bring your diesel truck to RG Diesel, LLC and we will help you quickly determine what needs to be done and get you back on the road safely with properly installed components.

Experts recommend that shocks and struts on your diesel truck be replaced between 50,000 and 100,000 miles.

• If you are a more aggressive driver, frequently tow heavy loads, or drive regularly on rough roads, your shocks will wear out faster due to the increased stress and weight.
• Shocks don't fail all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time, compromising safety and comfort without you immediately noticing.

If you are noticing problems with handling, making smooth turns, or ride smoothness, have one of the professionals at RG Diesel, LLC inspect your shocks and struts to restore proper control and stability to your diesel truck.

Replacing struts is simple and fast for a professional technician at RG Diesel, LLC.

Replacing your front struts yourself is not recommended on a diesel truck, especially if you need a new complete strut assembly kit. Struts bear the entire weight of your heavy-duty truck and require specialized spring compressors and tools to handle safely.

Crucially, when you get your truck's struts replaced, you also need to have the front-end alignment checked and adjusted. This ensures the tires are properly aligned to maintain safe handling and prevent premature tire wear.

Ask the professionals at RG Diesel, LLC to replace your struts, and we will complete the work quickly, safely, and ensure your diesel truck is properly aligned.

Yes, RG Diesel LLC strongly recommends performing a wheel alignment anytime shocks, struts, or other steering and suspension components are replaced on your diesel vehicle.

Replacing a strut alters the geometry of the suspension system. Getting your diesel vehicle's alignment within factory specifications is essential because it ensures:

• Optimal Tire Wear: Proper alignment prevents the premature and uneven wear that can quickly ruin the expensive tires on a diesel vehicle.
• Safe Handling: It ensures the vehicle tracks straight, which is critical for maintaining control and stability, especially when carrying heavy loads.
• Prolonged Component Life: It helps prolong the life of your tires and other suspension components.

A front-end alignment is a precise service performed on the front wheels of your diesel truck to ensure they meet the manufacturer's exact specifications. The process includes adjustments to three key angles:

1. Camber: The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from the front.
2. Caster: The angle of the steering pivot, which affects steering stability.
3. Toe: The extent to which the tires turn inward or outward when viewed from above.

For many modern diesel trucks and 4x4 trucks, your 'thrust angle adjustment' (which measures the rear axle's relation to the centerline of the vehicle) may also need adjustments to ensure that all four wheels are tracking parallel and straight. This complete alignment is crucial for maximizing tire life and maintaining stable handling under the heavy load of a diesel truck.