I admit I know very little about suspensions. I did read through the stickies and learned a little bit, but Im confused about the difference between a shock and a strut? Someone give me a little insight so I dont make an *** outta myself. Or is it too late already ?

 

I thought that the shock was mounted inside of the spring to dampen rebound and compression. Where are struts mounted and what is the function ?

 

Shock = strut.

Two names, same part. Basically, here's the idea. The SHOCK is the thing that controls the bouncing of the car. Looks like this.



The STRUT is the shock inside of a housing that bolts to the wheel hub. Looks like this. (NOTE - picture is of a shock being prepared to be put into the strut assembly.)