Independent Suspension   Allows each wheel to move vertically independently of the other wheels.  The term “independent” refers to the motion of the wheels/suspension.  Vehicles can have 2 or 4 wheel independent suspensions. 

Shock Absorber   Converts motion into heat, usually by forcing oil through small internal passages in a tubular housing. Because shock aborbers respond to motion, their effects are most obvious in transient maneuvers.  In essence, they’re used to smooth out impulse and dissipate kinetic energy.

Strut   Found on front-wheel drive vehicles, this is a self-contained pivoting suspension unit that integrates a coil spring with a shock absorber.   It combines the primary function of a shock absorber with the ability to support sideways loads.