newb question

So shocks and struts are the same thing right???? I hear some ppl say strut, some say shock...

Shock absorbers are physically separated from the car's springs. A strut, on the other hand, is a shock absorber with a spring that fits around it.

Sometimes struts are also called "Coilovers". :D

I'm impressed. Very few people actually know the difference between shocks and struts. A lot of people just say they're different. And no, I'm not being sarcastic.

Actually a shock with a spring around it is not a strut. it is just a coil over. A strut is actually a part of the suspension system. A strut takes the place of the upper control arm. This is a quote from Monroe's website.
"Struts and shocks are very similar in function, but very different in design. The job of both is to control excessive spring motion; however, struts are also a structural component of the suspension. Struts can take the place of two or three conventional suspension components and are often used as a pivot point for steering and to adjust the position of the wheels for alignment purposes"

Well, let me remove my foot from my mouth.