[A4] suspension theory thoughts, questions, etc - grooved shocks

[Ben]

Actually, coilover merely refers to the coil and shock in one unit, usually
in an a-arm style suspension, but having no mounting point incorporated in
the coilover unit for the suspension. A strut, while similarly having the
coil and shock in unit with each other, also includes mounting points for
the suspension itself. Thus, the geometry of the strut assembly is crucial
to the handling of the car, while the angle of the racing coilover does not
affect handling directly. It does affect total spring rate because of
fulcrum points, however. The racing community has begun to, somewhat
erroneously, use the term coilover to include a strut type suspension, if
the spring perch is adjustable.

Peace,
Ben