what's the difference, or is there any? i often hear these terms used synonymously. also, i read the previous post by jaws, but i don't think my question was answered. i'm thinking about getting the eibach springs. aside from it possibly decreasing the life of my struts, will it mess with my suspension geometry in a negative way? like will my camber and alignment get all fukd up?

 

damper is an universal term for a shock or a strut

Shocks and struts are different. Struts carry the spring, shocks do not.

 

If I recall correctly from what I have heard about the Eibach Pro-Kit springs, the drop they give is not enough to seriously affect the camber settings.

Eibach makes a more aggressive line of springs that give a bigger drop, and I think they recommend a camber kit to go with those.

I believe that with ANY drop, you need to have the wheels aligned after installing the springs.

This is off the top of my head, though, so maybe someone else could confirm.

 

exactly

 

Always wait 2-4 weeks (depending on mileage driven) before getting your car re-aligned after installing lowering springs. Basically wait 1000 miles or 4 weeks, whichever comes first. Any longer and you risk severe tire wear, and sooner, and the springs may settle more after the alighment and require a re-alighment.