Sometimes, overlooking the most straightforward details can lead to severe regrets in life or while selecting which struts are the best option for your automobile. To save you from any sorrow regarding the latter, we have decided to list down the top choices in struts from Unity Automotive – one of today’s top brands for complete strut assembly kits. However, Unity is not alone in this market, and they do face competition from brands like Gabriel.
Struts are an integral part of a vehicle’s suspension system. They are essential in reducing any shock affects your car experiences from travelling on various terrains. It consists of two major parts – a spring and a shock absorber.
While the shock absorber diminishes the impact of any bumps caused on the road and stabilizes the suspension, the spring effectively supports the car’s weight, steering system, and alignment. Suppose you want a smooth driving experience, especially on irregular grounds. It is vital to have a solid suspension system, for which installing powerful and stabilizing struts is essential. It is also important to be known that you can get even more stability from other components such as great brakes. It would be best to keep in mind that no suspension system is complete without a great shocks system.
Our research will try to pinpoint the exact Unity struts you should buy to get you rolling on the road!
Top 3 Best Unity Automotive Struts [Comparison Table]
Best Choice
Unity Automotive 4-11071-253030-001
- Tested for all road and weather conditions
- A combination of shocks and struts makes for better driving control
- The exact dimensions for each component provide a superior fit
Premium Choice
Unity 4-11871-15050-001
- Kit comprises only struts
- Chrome-plated strut pistons for great durability
- High-grade oil seals to avoid entry of dirt and other particles
- Premium bearings
Best in Budget
UNITY AUTOMOTIVE 4-11204-252110-001
- Proper torque specs
- Twin-tube design or better fitment
- Combination of shocks and struts for increased rear stability
- Budget-friendly
How we made the list
Under normal driving conditions, struts have an average lifespan of seven to ten years. Not too bad, right? It isn’t guaranteed that you will always travel on highways and main roads, so naturally, your suspension system will be affected by your usual commute. Therefore it is essential to select struts that have the ideal weight and build type to absorb shocks more readily. Worn-out struts can also damage your tires, so they should ideally last longer than your tires do.
We have only included complete strut assembly kits in our list so that the entire car can be catered for and not just a specific side. This way, you can understand how a particular type of strut functions with the entire package. Even if you need just one part, this will help you get a better idea about the requirements and features of the part that would be the most suitable for you.
Unity Automotive struts range from car type to car type. Numerous other factors such as price, quality, design, and preassembly should be carefully considered when picking the best option. Since struts are linked to so many of a vehicle’s primary functions like steering, braking, and overall control, they impact a rider’s comfort level to an extensive degree. Because of this, our list considers all of the things that you might typically not give too much thought to.
Best Unity Automotive Struts Review
1. Unity Automotive 4-11071-253030-001
To be at the top, you have to be an outstanding performer through and through, and that is just what the 4-11071 complete kit is. It is the easiest to install, provides you with the most comfortable rides, and is still not the most expensive option. It is an absolute bargain!
Apart from all the impressive qualities that we have detailed below, this kit has one important thing to note. It is built solely for SUVs, and specifically minivans, then it is for sedans. This kit was made with the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan models. So whether you are looking to cruise through mountainous terrain with the family or effortlessly move along on the highway, you should not look further than this highly remarkable and efficient product.
Like most Unity struts, the 4-11071 comes preassembled as well. But since it is surprisingly lightweight and easy to set up, it is the perfect kit for DIYers. This will help you save up on many extra dollars that would have gone into getting it installed from elsewhere. The coil spring in this model also has a much more durable coating than the rest, allowing you to ride corrosion-free and keep your suspension up and running for a much more extended period.
Coming to the fascinating part, the kit features these elite-quality struts and comes with two shock absorbers that modify the specific jobs of every part. A combination of struts and shock absorbers usually provides a far more balanced and controlled drive, as you get all of your boxes ticked separately. Shocks improve the resistance in suspension movement, allowing the car to better control during erratic bounces and brake dives. When they work hand-in-hand, the struts can stay more focused on handling the weight of the vehicle’s body to account for improved steering and wheel alignment. The shock absorbers in the 4-11071 kit have been manufactured for their strut siblings to perfectly fit the systems they are installed upon. Unity Automotive has made this kit’s design hard to look past by combining the best of both worlds.
You also have no reason to worry about the resilience of the 4-11071. It is engineered under industry-standard tests to ensure premium material structure, high-grade performance during all weathers, proper hardness for all plastic pieces, and road readiness for each unit. Even the grease used inside the bearing plates is tested at extreme temperatures!
Features
- Tested for all road and weather conditions
- A combination of shocks and struts makes for better driving control
- The exact dimensions for each component provide a superior fit
- Phosphate coating for excessive durability
Pros
- Completely preassembled and easy to install
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Better shock absorbance than its competitors
- Robust design helps withstand hefty bumps
- Maintains original ride height after installation
- Not too pricey compared to its competitors
Cons
- Better suited for minivans than other car types
2. Unity 4-11871-15050-001
The Unity 4-11871-15050-001, following the footsteps of the 4-11071, is a vicious competitor due to its superior make and improved consistency in carrying a load. The 4-11071 already has your minivans covered, but if you have an impressive sedan like the Honda Accord, the 4-11871 might be the best option.
Once again, like the former, the 4-11871 kit also comes preassembled and ready to install. It takes a bit more time to install but is still relatively easy and can be done at home if you want to, without any special installation tools. The parts do not possess any setup hazards as they are not too heavy to -hold, and neither on your pocket!
Perhaps the 4-11871 boasts the best property is that the strut pistons are chrome plated. While the plating does add a little to the overall cost, it guarantees added hardness and durability, just as good as the coating on the 4-11071. Suppose you usually travel on rocky or under-construction roads. In that case, this feature might entice you to choose this strut assembly kit as your favoured one.
The kit is also integrity graded with NOK oil seals, which protect the strut’s bearings from the entry of dirt and foreign substances, increasing both the strut’s and the vehicle’s lifetime. This is also why the kit consists of only struts in contrast to a combination of struts and shocks. The struts are designed to allow them to stabilize the suspension on their own, essentially carrying out the function of the shocks by themselves. However, this does increase the kit’s weight. Still, the difference is not significant enough to rule out the incredible working of this equipment.
For all Accord owners, if your brakes are giving you a tough time or if you feel like your car is not centrally balanced like it used to be, consider the 4-11871 kit your perfect replacement option to revive your car’s grand riding feel.
Features
- Kit comprises only struts
- Chrome-plated strut pistons for great durability
- High-grade oil seals to avoid entry of dirt and other particles
- Premium bearings
Pros
- Completely preassembled and easy to install
- Improved consistency of carrying a load
- Reduces vehicle downtime
- Suitable for dusty terrain
Cons
- A little pricier
- Slightly heavier than its competition
3. UNITY AUTOMOTIVE 4-11204-252110-001
Are you looking to improve your Ford F-150’s riding experience? The Unity Automotive 4-11204 might be the upgrade you need! Crafted to hold heavy exteriors, this kit is the ideal choice as it gives your car better road grip, something necessary due to the truck’s large tires. Your road grip will be ideal if you properly grease your braking system.
To optimize its functionality, the 4-11204’s parts are of a twin-tube design similar to the 4-11071 but even lighter in weight. It also has the same fitment structure of two shocks and two struts in agreement with the make of a Ford F-150 or Lincoln Mark LT.
These large vehicles require extra leverage on the rear to keep them balanced, so going with shocks for the back wheels is a viable option. The 4-11204’s shocks are the right fit for this job. They help the vehicle’s weight stay persistent throughout the body and minimize any damage to the suspension. For truck struts, they are also lighter in weight than other competitors, an added advantage.
The kit has proper torque specifications so that you have no problems adjusting the shocks when installing the kit. Once they are in place, you will experience a drastic improvement in how your car performs, giving you great value for money.
If there’s something that you might have to think about when purchasing the 4-11204, it would be that this model is not compatible with trucks that have a torsion bar suspension system. Even some Ford models have that, so you would have to look elsewhere in that case. But for standard truck suspensions, there is no doubt that the 4-11204 is an excellent choice.
Features
- Proper torque specs
- Twin-tube design or better fitment
- Combination of shocks and struts for increased rear stability
Pros
- Better road grip
- Lighter weight compared to competitors
- Easy adjustment during shock installation
Cons
- Not compatible with torsion bar systems
4. UNITY AUTOMOTIVE 4-11730-257090-001
If you are missing the smoothness and suave of your Audi A3’s drive, it’s high time you replace its struts with the 4-11730.
A majestic driving experience can only complement the luxury feel of an Audi. Since it is a low-riding sedan, maintaining ride height is crucial for Audis and similar cars with 55mm lower strut housing. Those would also include the Audi Quattro, Volkswagen CC, Golf, and Jetta.
Like two of the three previous kits we talked about, this one also consists of two shock absorbers and two struts. For ample ride height and weight control, the spring coil in the 4-11730’s struts helps mount the car to the desired level from the front so that it does not stay dangerously close to the ground. The shocks do the same for the back. Altogether, this kit is a beautiful piece of equipment to breathe new life into your sedan.
The 4-11730, however, does not give you the option for magnetic ride control. This is an added feature found in some Audi models to provide firmer road control. Still, the kit manages to reach the required level of performance and alleviation that the car should have even without it.
If you are looking to amp up your suspension system and improve on what is already a joyous ride, then choosing the 4-11 should be a no-brainer.
Features
- Better spring coil to fit Audi/Volkswagen engineering
- Combination of shocks and struts for increased stability
- Sleek design according to the car’s make
Pros
- It helps maintain tricky ride height
- Improved spring coils for desired results
- Long lifespan
Cons
- It does not include magnetic ride control
5. UNITY AUTOMOTIVE 4-11085-252150-001
A sophisticated car like the Ford Focus, which has numerous unique features, also deserves to have the best suspension system. Luckily, the Unity 4-11085 has covered you and your vehicle!
It is easily one of the best strut assembly kits on the market. The complete kit has a premium fit thanks to its polypropylene spring isolators and quality rubber dust boot.
The isolators are specially designed to absorb multitudes of vibrations and shock transmissions. Since the Ford Focus is available in sedan and hatchback bodies, this function is key to helping the struts adjust their rigidity according to the car while still being a perfect fit dimensionally.
The high-quality dust boots provide overwhelming protection to the car when it comes in contact with contaminants or debris. They also increase the lifespan of the brakes by preventing these substances from entering the piston and the cylinder.
With all these incredible facets making the 4-11085 a great pick, this kit has only one drawback. Since the struts are gas-charged, they will not work with the newer electric Ford Focus models. Apart from this, you can get other versions of your Focus up and running on the tracks with authority in time, thanks to the intricate features of the 4-11085.
Features
- Combination of shocks and struts to fit car design
- Polypropylene spring isolators to cover various makes
- Dust boots for brake and suspension protection
Pros
- Can adjust and absorb shocks according to conditions
- Staunchly prevent the entry of foreign particles
- Increase lifetime of brakes
Cons
- Do not work on electric models
Things to consider when buying the best Unity Automotive struts
When it’s time to select a strut kit for your vehicle, there are some things that you should keep in mind so that your purchase is exactly what you desire. The following is a list of vital elements to consider when buying your package of Unity struts:
Assembly
It is up to you to buy just the strut assembly or the complete strut assembly. The difference is that complete strut assemblies have the coil spring already joined. In contrast, you have to do it yourself for the regular strut assembly. While the latter is cheaper, it could cost you extra to have the coil springs compressed later, so going for a complete assembly could be a more hassle-free and more accessible option.
Also, keep in mind whether you want to replace the struts yourself or get professional help.
Price
Price ranges for Unity struts are not poles apart, and they are considerably cheaper than other competitors. According to your finances, you can decide on the model of kit you require. You can also buy separate parts depending on your resources. Looking at the overall market, Unity Automotive still gives you a great bargain and value for money.
It would be best if you had a proper budget set up since many components combine to form a stable system in the lower region of your car. For example, when making up your budget, you should also consider a great set of tires for your vehicle.
Combination
Whether you need a kit of only struts or one that has both struts and shock absorbers is also essential to ponder upon. This has more to do with your vehicle and its make, so check beforehand the type of combination that would be best suited for your ride.
Kit
It isn’t necessary to buy the complete front and rear set of struts and shocks (if required). If one of your parts, just the rear side strut, has worn out, you can buy single Unity struts instead of the entire package. However, buying the entire kit could be advantageous since the bundle would probably cost you less. Since one of your struts’ life has ended, it is highly imminent that the others will follow soon. So getting them all changed together could refresh your ride just like it is brand new.
Car Model
Newer, more advanced models of cars come out almost every year. The struts you buy for your car might be compatible with your car but could easily not work on a newer model. If your vehicle is of an upgraded model, check out what suspension system it possesses so that the struts you purchase could fit according to its build and need.
Location
Be careful when ordering your struts online. You could easily mix up and order a left-side strut when you need a right-side one! Each strut’s placement stabilizes a particular region of your car.
OEM Specifications
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Since struts are model-specific, make sure that the ones you select follow the specifications provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Otherwise, you would be at risk of the struts not fitting or being of below-average quality. All Unity Automotive struts are designed and tested to meet the OEM specifications, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions:
After going through this article, you should be able to make a wise decision regarding the best Unity Automotive struts to get for your car. However, buyers still have questions to help them understand everything in even better detail. Here are some FAQs that people usually have about purchasing struts:
- How do I find out the strut that will fit my model?
Ans. That is quite simple to find on the internet. Just search your car’s model and year number online, and you will get the same Unity or other manufacturer’s strut that will fit.
- What will happen if I don’t get my struts timely replaced?
Ans. That could lead to multiple suspension problems. The ball joints, axle, and other components can take a hit if you have faulty struts. Since your car will not effectively absorb shocks, every bump will add to the suspension’s damage.
6One thing that you should do is regularly maintain the underside of your vehicle to avoid as many problems as you can in the future.
- Does the strut’s spring also have to be necessarily changed?
Ans. No. The coil spring only has to be changed if damaged or worn out; otherwise, you can replace the strut assembly. However, as advised in the ‘things to consider’ section, buying/replacing them together could be a better choice.
- When should I change my struts?
Ans. If your car starts to feel out of control and has variable bounce like it didn’t before, or if the car leans too heavily on one side when going over bumps, these are telltale signs that your struts probably need replacement. Other signs would include brown-coloured fluid leaks and vibration in your tires. You may find that there are also other reasons for your car vibrating.
- What is the average lifespan for struts?
Ans. The average lifespan is five to ten years, depending on how you’ve driven your car. If you have taken excellent care, your struts could be on the higher end of the spectrum, but reckless driving might lead to your struts getting affected at a quicker rate.
Conclusion
With our research, we have given you this comprehensive list of available options so that nothing is left to contemplate when you buy the best Unity Automotive struts. We have also discussed all the crucial factors you might want to consider when making your purchase. This list will help you understand the specifics you should look for in your struts according to your vehicle type. Even though the Unity struts are reasonably easy to install due to their preassembly, if you feel hesitant about doing it yourself, we recommend you get the installation done by a professional. We hope this article was helpful, and it is now time for you to wisely enhance your car’s suspension!
