I'm trying to learn about suspension. My dad has a 2006 Chevy K1500 Z71 off road. I was looking at his rear suspension to try and determine a few things. It's a solid rear axle with no torque arm. It look like a five-link(both leaf springs, chassis, and both struts). I think they're struts. Those are the only things connecting the axle to the chassis(besides the driveshaft), so I assume they're struts. Can anyone clear any of this up for me? I can post a pic of further clarification is needed. Thanks!

 

Well, that really called a leaf spring suspension, those are shocks, not struts. Struts have coil springs around the shock and the unit supports the weight.

Linked suspension uses bars with bushings in them to connect the rear end to the frame. Each bar is considered a "link". They also use struts, or coil springs to support the weight.

 

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Struts don't necessarily have to be set up like a coil over, though. 3rd gen fbodies have the struts and springs seperate.

 

Shocks can be removed and the vehicle is still drivable, its just really bouncy. Struts cannot be removed and the car remain drivable.