Originally Posted by MS Fowler

Shocks ( actually spring dampers) are not load carrying components. They simply damped the oscillations of the spring. The springs carry the load, but would tend to continue oscillating. Shocks control the springs.
Although some versions of the MacPherson strut combine the spring and the shock so that the housing for the strut does carry the load, maybe that is what failed.
I'd suspect either a broken spring, or spring mount, or rust thru of a structural component.

In any event, the vehicle's useful lifespan is rapidly approaching zero.

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

I think it's well past Zero.... It has a date with destiny. one week from now it's getting salvaged.

Originally Posted by chilcutt

Thereby eliminateing head-aches for you. Good move, solid decision.

Originally Posted by Aquaticedge

not totally.... I'm sure whatever she drags home I'll eventually have to look after it. but it'll be nice to have a break