Shocks or Struts. Whats the difference.

[wibblersnatch]

I was told I need some new struts. I thought they were shocks? Whats the diff? And where can I find a decently priced set. I'm planning on buying an Eibach pro - kit if this info helps.

 

[Defiant]

Different name, same thing. "Struts" mostly comes from the wacky world of Fearsome Struts, but it isn't entirely wrong in the DSM galaxy, as they are used as _part_ of the suspension linkages, not wholly as a member like McPherson. Usually a "shock" does nothing but dampen suspension movement, while not contributing to the structure of the assembly- you could drive a cars that uses "shocks" without them (but no, not very far, fast, or well), whereas if you took the "struts" out of a car so equipped, you couldn't.
Other than my usual "eBay" reply, I'd not know where to send you for a kit.