B6 A4 Avant Quattro 3.0 Manual - Shock/Strut Recommendations

[Rez4]

Hi everyone!

My 2002 A4 Avant (3.0/Quattro/6 speed) is in desperate need of new shocks/struts. It's got about 170,000 miles and I don't know that they have ever been replaced. In either case, the ride is definitely floaty and in need of a refresh.

I want to keep the OEM springs and other components but wonder what aftermarket shocks/struts pair with them best. I use my wagon for long distance drives to the snow. So there are long normal highway stretches, then it turns into windy mountain roads that are flat and fun to drive through and eventually it turns into gravel, slush, ice (light off road). I would like to optimize for the drive I mentioned.

I'm concerned that Bilstein shocks will be too damp for my liking and old back, but what do you all think? Some options I'm currently considering are:

• Bilstein B4
• Bilstein B6
• Koni FSD

Thanks in advance for the help and recommendations!

PS: If there are any recommendations on things I should replace while I'm in there doing shocks/struts (170,000 miles) please let me know as well.

[eljay]

Koni FSD get my vote as I have been happy with mine.
If the control arms were never replaced, I would replaced those as well along with tie rods and sway bar links. Then get an alignment.

And regarding your back, I agree that suspension plays a big role, but I always appreciate good seats and if you can get your hands on a pair of S4 Recaros, do it. I know many people want them because they are from S4 etc., but I would buy them just for pure comfort. They are that much better on long distance trips.

[Rez4]

Koni FSD get my vote as I have been happy with mine.
If the control arms were never replaced, I would replaced those as well along with tie rods and sway bar links. Then get an alignment.

And regarding your back, I agree that suspension plays a big role, but I always appreciate good seats and if you can get your hands on a pair of S4 Recaros, do it. I know many people want them because they are from S4 etc., but I would buy them just for pure comfort. They are that much better on long distance trips.

Hey man! Thanks for your response. Are you running the FSDs with OEM springs? What were your impressions after you put in the FSDs compared to what you had before? Checked out your wagon thread, looks awesome!

[2004a4b630QT]

I've read that the Koni FSD paired with sport springs is the best combo for those who want OEM comfort with the option of a little spirited driving. The lowering is only like 1 inch so it's nothing like coilovers. I'm too old to slam it to the ground and worry about climbing in and out a lowered car, not to mention navigating NJ roads.
FSD/Sport springs is probably the direction I will go.

[SJorge3442]

I went with regular plain old koni yellows on my sedan. They are set pretty much in the middle of stiffness. I had a hookup when I purchased them, otherwise I would have went with a cheaper (dont flame me) coil over kit. So many people love those FSD's. They were a little out of my reach at the time, but I'd like to see how they feel in comparison to the yellows. Either way, I'm satisfied with my yellows on stock sport springs. Nice ride height and comfy ride.

[eljay]

I've read that the Koni FSD paired with sport springs is the best combo for those who want OEM comfort with the option of a little spirited driving. The lowering is only like 1 inch so it's nothing like coilovers. I'm too old to slam it to the ground and worry about climbing in and out a lowered car, not to mention navigating NJ roads.
FSD/Sport springs is probably the direction I will go.

I have them combined with Eibach Pro-Kit springs and that's how I bought the car, so I cannot tell you how it compares to stock setup. My setup is not harsh at all. Pairing FSDs with sport springs would be a good combo.

[Spike00513]

saw these in the classifieds recently.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...0#post12739440

They are that much better on long distance trips.

they probably have thicker and softer cushion pads.
might even be similar to Memory Foam