left / right fork differences and why?

[rafalc]

Can someone educate me on why the left and right forks are different? What is the reason for it and what each fork is supposed to do with its specific setup?

Any links to tech papers / articles explaining this?

[98valk]

search the tech board it has been discussed many times.

[hubcapsc]

It is a cheap way to make OK forks. For $1000 Traxxion in
Georgia will installed custom machined cartridges in
each fork. Alternatively, for $100 (or so, I don't remember) Progressive
Suspension will sell you springs and if you install them
like the manual says (replacing wear parts along the way)
you'll have pretty darn good forks. I like mine...

-Mike

[..]

Can someone educate me on why the left and right forks are different? What is the reason for it and what each fork is supposed to do with its specific setup?

Any links to tech papers / articles explaining this?

Not an answer to your questions.
Some photos I took quite a few years ago.

https://postimg.cc/gallery/7ZQt2pj

[Disco]

One is for compression damping.  The other is for rebound damping. 

Compression damping helps the suspension absorb bumps or road irregularity as the wheel moves upward in the stroke.

Rebound damping helps the suspension return to the proper position in a smooth and controlled motion after a bump or irregularity causes the fork to compress.