
 Originally Posted by 
mr brg
					
				 
				Shock tower
			
		 
	 
 Thank you! This is one of my pet peeves. 
For clarification:
Shock Function
  
Shock absorbers (dampers) are gas-filled tubes with a valve  inside, which is connected to a shaft.  When this chassis-connected  shaft is compressed, it resists rapid movement and prevents the spring  from going into rapid oscillation and "hop."                                                                      
Strut Function
 The strut functions not only as a moving suspension piece, but  also as the wheel's upper control arm and support. This simplifies  construction and reduces costs.                         
Or more simply said... A strut is part of a suspension's geometry, a shock is not.  Remove a  strut and your suspension is incomplete- it just flops around.  Remove a  shock and you just have no damping- your geometry is still preserved.