... what are the differences between shocks and struts?

... how do they work together and with springs/coilovers to provide a smooth suspension?

... and if at all possible, please include picture... i am a visual learner hehehe...

thanks...

 

I believe struts are shocks that work as a stand alone unit; meaning there's no spring involved/or attached to the shock. I'm thinking in terms of 84-87 civic/crx and 86-89 integra's which use a strut and torsion bar for front suspension.

Shocks are your basic 'shock' with a perch-cup for placing a spring onto it, or a set of coilovers.