Mcpherson Struts- Time For A Change??

[StangVert00]

I own a '00 GT 'Vert with 64k miles on it. (No mods)
Since last May, I have noticed that when I am backing up, it feels like I am driving over railroad tracks or that it feels like one of the tires are flat, but they are fine. This has been getting worse from May on.
When driving on the highway, the front end is very shaky. When driving in town, it feels like I can feel every bump on the road.
I have replaced the tires (which needed to be replaced anyway) the tires have been balanced and aligned. The rotors are OK and are not warped.
I was thinking about the tie rods being the problem, but I have had no front end damage.
So, with what I have told you, do you think the Mcpherson struts are too blame? They probably do need replacing, regardless.
Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is the difference between a shock absorbor and a strut?
Thanks for any advice!
StangVert00

 

[40th GT]

Shock absorbers are mounted in the rear while struts go on the front. I'd go ahead and change all of these including the quad shocks. Also, it would be a good idea to check all the suspension bushings for cracks.

 

[StangVert00]

Shock absorbers are mounted in the rear while struts go on the front. I'd go ahead and change all of these including the quad shocks. Also, it would be a good idea to check all the suspension bushings for cracks.

Great! Thanks for the advice!

StangVert00

 

[hotdog71]

Just to add there is normally a shock inside of the strut to help give control to the spring which is attached to the strut, which in turn is connected to the wish bone ect... an easy test is to walk around the car and push down on each corner (bounce the corner once) the shock if good will only allow about 2 bounces and then rest.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

After a Mustang has about 10k on the crappy stock shocks and struts you can consider them ready to be replaced

 

[Ronald Jones]

Pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is the difference between a shock absorbor and a strut?
Thanks for any advice!
StangVert00

Shocks and struts are similar in that they both damp (slow down) the vehicles motion. The difference of a strut vs. a shock is that a shock only controls the cars motion while a strut is a locating member of the suspension. If you remove a shock the spindle or axle will still be completely attached to the vehicle. If you remove a strut the spindle or axle will be able to move outside of its normal motion. Shocks and struts may or may not have a spring mounted to them also. It is often assumed that any damper with a spring is a strut, but this is not the case.

I have a 2000 coupe and I'm way over due for some adjustable struts at 107k. Do you have subframe connectors?