B7 lowering options

[Dondbg]

Hey Guys.

I've got a base B7 and I want to lower it a "bit" to get rid of the 4x4 look, I want a nicer look while maintaining the level of comfort AND keeping it light on my wallet. :)
lowering springs is a cheap way to get a nicer ride and look ? What do you guys have to say ? I saw those on eBay : https://www.ebay.com/itm/361409194352

I hate how it looks like




Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008.

[OliNix]

H&R Springs are a reputable brand, it depends how much you want to get the gap down to?! Lowering springs will give you S-line sort of height, is that low enough?

[dwinters14]

I got H&R sport springs and Bilstein B8 shocks. The factory suspension has the rear lower by an inch, but with the H&R springs they didn't factor this in and my cars raked. The front sits lower by about an inch than the rear. Though I will say the car looks great, just not good enough for me to buy nice aftermarket wheels.

The ride is perfect though. A nice blend between street and performance.

[Dondbg]

H&R Springs are a reputable brand, it depends how much you want to get the gap down to?! Lowering springs will give you S-line sort of height, is that low enough?

Thanks.

I'm wondering if it's ok to keep existing shocks and just replace the springs? ( could be dump question but gotta ask)
I want low but not too low , but what you are saying the maximum I can get from replacing the spring only is sline height ? Hmm
What about if I used some second hand S4 suspensions , that would be direct swap ?


Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008.

[OliNix]

Yes exactly, if you want to go lower you will have to change dampers as well. Not sure on s4 ride height and limits.

It depends what condition the dampers are in whether you replace them or not as well

[seandon_792]

Thanks.

I'm wondering if it's ok to keep existing shocks and just replace the springs? ( could be dump question but gotta ask)
I want low but not too low , but what you are saying the maximum I can get from replacing the spring only is sline height ? Hmm
What about if I used some second hand S4 suspensions , that would be direct swap ?


Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008.

It's not "required" but I would recommend it especially if your car has higher mileage. When you change out the springs and don't change shocks the travel of the shock maybe reduced and cause greater wear because it's been taken out of its "effective range".

[JayDog747]

Owning an Audi will always keep your wallet light.

I don't think you can't use S4 springs because they are designed to handle the weight of the V8.

You can always put 20's on her

[Dondbg]

What about Vogtland ?
I'm keen to replace the springs only.


Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008.

[Okedokey]

I got H&R sport springs and Bilstein B8 shocks. The factory suspension has the rear lower by an inch, but with the H&R springs they didn't factor this in and my cars raked. The front sits lower by about an inch than the rear. Though I will say the car looks great, just not good enough for me to buy nice aftermarket wheels.

The ride is perfect though. A nice blend between street and performance.

I have the same suspension, no raking for me.

[Ringsby4]

What about Vogtland ?
I'm keen to replace the springs only.


Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008.

Vogtland coilovers have been good for me so far,I put stiffer H&R coils in rear though as VL were too soft.Dont know if you can just buy their springs separately.
Changing the ride height and not the dampers will probably accelerate wear.
Consider buying a set of coilovers and be done with it,you'll notice an immediate handling improvement as well...

[pezgoon]

Vogtland coilovers have been good for me so far,I put stiffer H&R coils in rear though as VL were too soft.Dont know if you can just buy their springs separately.
Changing the ride height and not the dampers will probably accelerate wear.
Consider buying a set of coilovers and be done with it,you'll notice an immediate handling improvement as well...

That's what I'm doing, I held out until I found an amazing deal on ST's


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[Solarsuplex]

AIR RIDE MASTER RACE

for real tho

if you want a good deal on St's hit up chris lane at @ 1552 or epl or og chrislane and tell him tank top sent you

[pezgoon]

AIR RIDE MASTER RACE

for real tho

if you want a good deal on St's hit up chris lane at @ 1552 or epl or og chrislane and tell him tank top sent you

Haha no way, couldn't get me a deal anywhere near what I'm paying (used)


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[Dondbg]

I must say I'm no expert in choosing coilovers and I need advise.
Reasonably priced and comfortable.
Looking for something which will give me such drop:

[URL=http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/Buckeye_GTI/media/FullSizeRender-4_zpsby3caqp1.jpg.html]



[URL=http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/Buckeye_GTI/media/FullSizeRender-5_zpsw0bx5clo.jpg.html]

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10974110


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Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008 - 94K km

[Okedokey]

This is what I fitted:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-h-and-r-...ks/29369-1bsc/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-034motor...-401-1004~034/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble.../4f0513353dkt/

[Dondbg]

This is what I fitted:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-h-and-r-...ks/29369-1bsc/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-034motor...-401-1004~034/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble.../4f0513353dkt/

Basically you replaced ,,everything , do you have to do that ? I don't think so.
Still it's Nice to have all new.


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2008 B7 Avant TQ - 94000KM ......

[Okedokey]

Basically you replaced ,,everything , do you have to do that ? I don't think so.
Still it's Nice to have all new.


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2008 B7 Avant TQ - 94000KM ......

Of course not but at 100k you're probably close to life on some of those bushings. Made a big difference for me.


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[pw211]

ST tend to be the budget coilover of choice around here. Quality coilover, good ride quality, affordable.

As for replacing arms and stuff: not necessary, but if you have over or around 100k, decent chance you're gonna notice stuff that could be replaced in there. I went from air ride to coilovers last summer, and went ahead and replaced every control arm in the front. Not cheap, but it's nice knowing everything is like new down there and that I won't have to worry about it for a good while.

[Dondbg]

The only thing I noticed few months back was the front upper control arms bushing were cracked so I replace the 4 control arms.

I always keep any eye on those bits, once I notice a crack i go ahead and replace it.


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Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008 - 94K km

[supple]

ST tend to be the budget coilover of choice around here. Quality coilover, good ride quality, affordable.

As for replacing arms and stuff: not necessary, but if you have over or around 100k, decent chance you're gonna notice stuff that could be replaced in there. I went from air ride to coilovers last summer, and went ahead and replaced every control arm in the front. Not cheap, but it's nice knowing everything is like new down there and that I won't have to worry about it for a good while.

I'm considering doing all the arms in the front with the B12 Cup Kit as well since I'm at 220k on stock sport. Does anyone ever do anything with the rear arms?

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

AIR RIDE MASTER RACE

for real tho

if you want a good deal on St's hit up chris lane at @ 1552 or epl or og chrislane and tell him tank top sent you

Young sleeveless... OG cutoff... Louis Armstrong...

[Solarsuplex]

Young sleeveless... OG cutoff... Louis Armstrong...

you already know

[Sanjman]

definitely get a shock / spring combo or coilover kit. ST's are cheap. SoloWerks are cheaper. Ride quality is great as long as you aren't slammed. I agree with Okeydokey... with a lot of miles you should check to make sure your control arm bushings aren't torn, it makes a world of a difference in a comfortable ride.

[617 Bones]

I must say I'm no expert in choosing coilovers and I need advise.
Reasonably priced and comfortable.
Looking for something which will give me such drop:

[URL=http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/Buckeye_GTI/media/FullSizeRender-4_zpsby3caqp1.jpg.html]
[URL=http://s1188.photobucket.com/user/Buckeye_GTI/media/FullSizeRender-5_zpsw0bx5clo.jpg.html]
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10974110

My B7 avant on OEM Sport suspension (25" - 25.5" FTG) was about where you are looking for. Suspension was a little soft though, so I kept the shocks (I was on a budget) and installed H&R sport springs (24.5" FTG). This ended up being a bit lower than the picture examples you posted though.

In your case (non-sport suspension) your options are different depending on budget

• Find some used OEM Sport springs/shocks (likely cheapest option)
• Low priced coilover kit; ST, Solowerks, etc ($600-800)
• Sport Springs (H&R/Eibach) and Bilstein shocks (around $700?)

There are higher end options, but since budget is a concern I thought this info might help

[Dondbg]

My B7 avant on OEM Sport suspension (25" - 25.5" FTG) was about where you are looking for. Suspension was a little soft though, so I kept the shocks (I was on a budget) and installed H&R sport springs (24.5" FTG). This ended up being a bit lower than the picture examples you posted though.

In your case (non-sport suspension) your options are different depending on budget

• Find some used OEM Sport springs/shocks (likely cheapest option)
• Low priced coilover kit; ST, Solowerks, etc ($600-800)
• Sport Springs (H&R/Eibach) and Bilstein shocks (around $700?)

There are higher end options, but since budget is a concern I thought this info might help

Thanks man! I was thinking to get Vogtland or H&R springs and use them with the OE shocks I have, will get 40/30mm , as currently the front sits higher than the rear ....your suggestion to find some second hand OE sports suspensions is good and I found a set from a B7 S4 a while back but was not sure it will fit on my base B7?


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Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008 - 94K km

[617 Bones]

I found a set from a B7 S4 a while back but was not sure it will fit on my base B7?
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Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008 - 94K km

The S4 avant is heavier than the A4 avant. That means the spring rates will likely be higher in the S4. This also means if installed onto an A4, with a lighter engine, the front might be even higher than it is now.
If

[pezgoon]

Just as a statement, my car has 48k on it, every bushing I have looked at so far is torn/cracked. Not even just parts of the suspension system, I'm talking chassis bushings as well

So yes, you should/have to replace all of them, can you get away without doing it? Sure

But it goes back to the old adage that you should always do maintenance before the frivolities


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[panman142]

Chiming in here as well. I initially lowered on JOMs when I was piss poor. Swapping for ST's next week I too went with the 034 front control arm kit, and also Meyle HD tie rod ends with Meyle inner tie rods. Front and rear shock/strut mounts were done and should typically be done when installing coils or shocks/springs. If you go with lowering springs you will need aftermarket shocks. Koni Yellows are nice, bilsteins etc etc.

[Dondbg]

Chiming in here as well. I initially lowered on JOMs when I was piss poor. Swapping for ST's next week I too went with the 034 front control arm kit, and also Meyle HD tie rod ends with Meyle inner tie rods. Front and rear shock/strut mounts were done and should typically be done when installing coils or shocks/springs. If you go with lowering springs you will need aftermarket shocks. Koni Yellows are nice, bilsteins etc etc.

How are the JOM ? I see they come with 2 years warranty? And priced reasonably , reviews are good ....

~30mm is what I'm after may a bit more :) I see some sets comes with 40/30mm drop. I understand the front of the B7 is a bit higher , going with 40/30 will make it even, what is the downside of doing that ?


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Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008 - 94K km

[panman142]

How are the JOM ? I see they come with 2 years warranty? And priced reasonably , reviews are good ....

~30mm is what I'm after may a bit more :) I see some sets comes with 40/30mm drop. I understand the front of the B7 is a bit higher , going with 40/30 will make it even, what is the downside of doing that ?


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Audi A4 B7 avant 2.0T Quattro 2008 - 94K km

I dropped mine from stock non sport suspension height to pretty damn low with the JOMs. You can play with the adjustment to make it even and level.

As far as the JOMs go, if you go in with the mindset that they will be total shit, like I did, you will be pleasantly surprised that they are not absolutely horrible however after being on only about 15 months I was replacing a control arm the other day and they look like hell. Good amount of corrosion and rust. However for what I needed to do (ditch 4x4 status) they did the job perfectly and honestly I can live with the ride quality. Nevertheless, still swapping to ST's. If you want a good deal on some Ill sell em to ya real cheap

[dwinters14]

Basically you replaced ,,everything , do you have to do that ? I don't think so.
Still it's Nice to have all new.


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2008 B7 Avant TQ - 94000KM ......

Shock mounts are a must in my opinion because they'd be a pain to fix once you get the suspension on. In terms of the control arms almost 100% guarantee you will blow the stock ones because A) They've got mileage on them and B) Once you lower the car it'll bend them at an angle they never been at before and will blow out. I'm speaking from first hand experience.