Took my car to a garage and they recommended the following needed replacing:

a) front shockers

b) console bushes

Just had a few questions that I would appreciate so much if someone could answer:

1) Are front shockers the same thing as shock absorbers or are they different things?

2) Does anyone know roughly how much I'd have to spend on a) and b)?

3) My brother suggested I take it to a suspension specialist and I checked the good garages guide but couldn't find anything close by in East London. He suggested HiQ (East Ham or Hainult) although couldn't find any reviews on them? Anyone have any experience with them? My experience generally with chains have been quite poor. Could anyone recommend any that could carry out this work?

4) I was reading around and alot of people complained about console bushes and something about realigning of tyres. Has anyone had any experience with realignment?

Would appreciate any help on any of the questions or recommendations / advice.

Many thanks.