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i know the ride quality comes from the spring rates.

but what do shocks actually do then? absorb bumps??

if you were to add shocks.... like konis.. with neuspeed sports springs.
would that just make it a better/ride smooth quality?

 
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Description: Struts are used on the front end of almost all front-wheel-drive vehicles. Technically known as MacPherson struts, they¡¯re much more than a shock absorber with a different name. A strut integrates numerous suspension parts into one compact assembly, including the coil spring, spring seats, shock absorber, strut bearing, and steering knuckle. The shock absorber portion of the strut is the most commonly serviced portion of the strut assembly.


Purpose: Because it integrates different components into one assembly, a strut serves multiple purposes. With its spring, it can support the weight of the vehicle, while moving to adapt to road irregularities. The internal shock absorber dampens movement of the spring as it compresses and rebounds during vehicle travel. The strut housing serves as a structural part of the suspension system and connects the upper strut bearing to the lower ball joint so that the entire assembly can pivot when the steering wheel is turned.


http://www.carcarecouncil.org/Steeri...n/struts.shtml

 
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Contrary to popular belief, shocks don’t actually absorb shocks, but rather they dampen vibrations. The springs actually absorb shocks over bumps and control body roll. The shocks control the oscillations of the springs, determining how fast the spring moves up and down. Stiffer shock rates slow spring movements, while a softer shock rate allows the spring to move faster. Shaft speeds. Shocks work mostly with in a range of about 3 inches per second to about 20 inches per second. The lower speeds come in to play during weight transfer when the body is rolling or pitching. The high speeds come in to play over bumps and ruts. A shock manufacturer can alter low-,medium-, and high-speed valving to control what the shock does in different situations. Low- and medium-speed valving are used to control how the shock influences handling. When a shock is user adjustable, it is usually the low-speed valving that can be altered.

How they help or hinder handling.......... By controling the compression and rebound speeds of the springs, they control how fast weight gets transfered around the chassis durring corners. Handling is just that, Controling weight. Where it goes, and how fast it gets there.

More info Here