Spring spacers for coilovers?

[theweebabyseamus]

So I'm looking at different suspension options and leaning towards either a B12 Pro-kit or the H&R Street coilovers. One thing I am noticing is how low they are at max height and the complaints about poor ride quality (rough or bouncy) when they are adjusted to max height. Has any one ever used spring spacers to give it just a little lift for the rear end? Im looking for .75-1.0" of lowering and a 10-20mm aluminum or poly spacer seem like such an easy solution that their lack of use makes me think there's a reason.

Im not looking to spend a ton on suspension as I don't know how long I'll stay in this car, or I'd just look towards PSS10.

Thanks for your input.

[MN Blue S4]

B12 kit gave me a 3/4" drop all around. FTG is roughly 25 5/8" at all four corners. Ride quality is outstanding. Firmer than stock but very compliant. Best $600 I've spent on my car so far.

[Rob01S4]

Pics please?

[theweebabyseamus]

+1

I’m looking for just a little rake on mine but I hear nothing but good things about the B12.

[SteveYem]

Perhaps you came across some of my commentary regarding my H&R Street Performance coilovers. I also tossed around the idea of adding spacers to the rear springs because with the rear mounts spun all the way up, meaning the top end of the collar is even with the top end of the perch (no threads overhanging), this is my ride height. Meanwhile, the front spring perches are somewhere in the middle of the length of available threads on the dampers:



And for whatever reason, maybe a departure from this discussion, both of the front springs look like this when the weight of the car is on the wheels at the above pictured ride height:


I count 1, maybe 1.5, active coils with the rest of them dead stacked. Sure enough, the ride on this setup is fairly harsh in my opinion. It's noticeable more jarring than the ride in my old 350z which was lowered on BC BR Series coilovers, i.e. "Chinese junk" by this forum's standards, to this ride height (any excuse to whore a pic):


The Z had a nice solid "thud" when hitting bumps, whereas the S4 has a nice calamitous "crash". So I am also in the market for a new setup and have considered the B12 kit but I'm afraid I won't be satisfied with the look after having my ride height as it is currently. Meanwhile, my current ride height gripe is that the rear appears to "sag" a bit relative to the front, which gives me just a bit of that reverse rake look, but because I'm at the top of the rear adjustment threads I can't raise the back end any higher without starting to hang some of the collar threads off the top end of the perch. I've never gotten a clear answer as to whether it's acceptable to do that, and if so by how much, because ultimately all of the force of the spring is being transmitted through those threads.

[theweebabyseamus]

Yeah actually it was your photos and dilemma that got me thinking on it. I don’t really understand why you setup would compress that much, I would think when you raise the spring perch the spring should raise the car at full length. I almost wonder if it’s an install issue?

[ReDeViL]

subscribed to thread.
I'm on the bilstein b16, and i find the rear ride height a little too low to clear certain speed humps in the neighbourhood.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Not an S4, but the B16 on my Allroad are way too low in the rear at max height. I lowered the front to match, but rub on most bumps with a very conservative wheel/tire setup. Looking to add 30mm spacers to the rear this spring (then lower it 10mm for a net gain of 20mm) and raising the front to match. I have seen the KW spacers used on the H&R coilovers, but haven't seen any mention of them used on the Bilstein yet. Hoping the spring diameter is the same! When it warms up a bit I will confirm.

[SForePlayin']

B12 kit gave me a 3/4" drop all around. FTG is roughly 25 5/8" at all four corners. Ride quality is outstanding. Firmer than stock but very compliant. Best $600 I've spent on my car so far.

How long until you got your B12 kit? I hear it takes several months.

[ReDeViL]

Not an S4, but the B16 on my Allroad are way too low in the rear at max height. I lowered the front to match, but rub on most bumps with a very conservative wheel/tire setup. Looking to add 30mm spacers to the rear this spring (then lower it 10mm for a net gain of 20mm) and raising the front to match. I have seen the KW spacers used on the H&R coilovers, but haven't seen any mention of them used on the Bilstein yet. Hoping the spring diameter is the same! When it warms up a bit I will confirm.

you talking about spring spacers?
are they available for the b16 (regardless of ride)?

[MN Blue S4]

How long until you got your B12 kit? I hear it takes several months.

I got mine last summer and it only took 2-3 weeks. I went through AJUSA. I understand leadtime has gotten considerably longer since then.

[theweebabyseamus]

Not an S4, but the B16 on my Allroad are way too low in the rear at max height. I lowered the front to match, but rub on most bumps with a very conservative wheel/tire setup. Looking to add 30mm spacers to the rear this spring (then lower it 10mm for a net gain of 20mm) and raising the front to match. I have seen the KW spacers used on the H&R coilovers, but haven't seen any mention of them used on the Bilstein yet. Hoping the spring diameter is the same! When it warms up a bit I will confirm.

This is actually something else I’ve considered, in reading on the poly spacers it appears they can offer a potential mild reduction in NVH over metal so the thought had also crossed my mind to run some poly spacers front and rear, maybe 10 and 20 mm respectively, for some benefit. The off-road guys that the article came from use a lot larger spacers so it may not be a factor for this app but it would be cool if it did.

[Tangerined]

I have a pair of 10mm spacers in on the rear of my KW V1. I found that at maximum height, it was just perfect on the rear for the summer but I wanted it to sit higher in the winter. I contacted KW about this lack of rear adjustability, sent them pictures and measurements and asked if it was the springs that failed. They replied that springs are within spec and suggested that I put in their spacers and so that's what I did.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Yeah, spring spacers. KW makes aluminum spacers in 15 and 30mm (possibly other sizes too). I believe they're aluminum, but definitely metal of some sort. I bought one 30mm spacer from a member here that never used it. When I swap the summer wheels back on in another week or so I will measure the ID of the spring and compare it to the spacer.

I tried reaching out to Bilstein for either a longer/stiffer spring or a spacer of some sort. They were unwilling to help since technically they don't have an application for the Allroad. They have one part number to cover the A4/S4/A5/S5/RS5 sedan/coupe/avant but conveniently left the Allroad off that list despite it being an A4 Avant with a taller spring from the factory.

[ReDeViL]

Yeah, spring spacers. KW makes aluminum spacers in 15 and 30mm (possibly other sizes too). I believe they're aluminum, but definitely metal of some sort. I bought one 30mm spacer from a member here that never used it. When I swap the summer wheels back on in another week or so I will measure the ID of the spring and compare it to the spacer.

I tried reaching out to Bilstein for either a longer/stiffer spring or a spacer of some sort. They were unwilling to help since technically they don't have an application for the Allroad. They have one part number to cover the A4/S4/A5/S5/RS5 sedan/coupe/avant but conveniently left the Allroad off that list despite it being an A4 Avant with a taller spring from the factory.

so I am guessing you will still to test got the kw spacers to the b16 from bilstein?
do keep us updated on this.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Audizine mobile app

[ReDeViL]

Yeah, spring spacers. KW makes aluminum spacers in 15 and 30mm (possibly other sizes too). I believe they're aluminum, but definitely metal of some sort. I bought one 30mm spacer from a member here that never used it. When I swap the summer wheels back on in another week or so I will measure the ID of the spring and compare it to the spacer.

I tried reaching out to Bilstein for either a longer/stiffer spring or a spacer of some sort. They were unwilling to help since technically they don't have an application for the Allroad. They have one part number to cover the A4/S4/A5/S5/RS5 sedan/coupe/avant but conveniently left the Allroad off that list despite it being an A4 Avant with a taller spring from the factory.

Any luck on matching the KW spring spacer to the bilstein coilovers?

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Any luck on matching the KW spring spacer to the bilstein coilovers?

Nope. 3-5" of snow last night and temps in the 30's for the foreseeable future. Spring is being kind of a dick this year.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Any luck on matching the KW spring spacer to the bilstein coilovers?

Confirmed the KW spacers are a direct fit on the Bilstein coilovers. There is a very very small amount of side to side play between the spacer and the collar, then the rubber/silicone ring that sits on the Bilstein collar is a tight fit on the spacer. They're being installed as I speak.

[SteveYem]

Probably a dumb question but I'll ask anyway - do these spring spacers install at the top or bottom of the rear springs?

[ReDeViL]

Confirmed the KW spacers are a direct fit on the Bilstein coilovers. There is a very very small amount of side to side play between the spacer and the collar, then the rubber/silicone ring that sits on the Bilstein collar is a tight fit on the spacer. They're being installed as I speak.

awesome!!
thanks for the update!!!
loading my order right now!

[AvusPdx]

do the KW spacers fir the H&R coil overs? Really need to fix the rear sagging issue and not sure if "avant" springs are the way to go if it messes with the spring rates/damper balance.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

do the KW spacers fir the H&R coil overs? Really need to fix the rear sagging issue and not sure if "avant" springs are the way to go if it messes with the spring rates/damper balance.

Yes. The KW spacers have been confirmed to fit KW (obviously), H&R, ST, and now Bilstein.

[AvusPdx]

Yes. The KW spacers have been confirmed to fit KW (obviously), H&R, ST, and now Bilstein.

nice thank your for the information! Are there poly spacers or just aluminum? Poly would be nice to better handle NVH

[JettaGetUpandGo]

nice thank your for the information! Are there poly spacers or just aluminum? Poly would be nice to better handle NVH

Anodized aluminum. Here are the 30mm spacers (also available in other sizes): https://www.ecstuning.com/b-kw-suspe...h/65030046~kw/

Note, you need to purchase two spacers as the price is just for one. Mine were installed today at the same time as sway bars so I can't really give an objective review of added harshness.

[Tangerined]

Probably a dumb question but I'll ask anyway - do these spring spacers install at the top or bottom of the rear springs?

They sit on top of the rear spring.

[SteveYem]

They sit on top of the rear spring.

OK, thanks for confirming!

[theweebabyseamus]

nice thank your for the information! Are there poly spacers or just aluminum? Poly would be nice to better handle NVH

There are poly spacers. I was going to try and figure out that setup in hopes of better NVH but I gave up on H&R’s. Two weeks on my B12 kit.

[Acejam]

If you need spring spacers, then you're likely running a suspension which uses the spring perch to adjust ride height. While this is not ideal, if you need more "space", you can look into tender or helper springs. Tender and helper springs typically fully compress at static ride height, but expand when the suspension goes into droop. A helper just keeps the spring in place and might have a rate of 10-50 lb/in at most. Tenders on the other hand typically feature "actual rate", something along the lines of 150-300 lb/in.

Here's a picture of my ZZYZX/Koni racing setup from my previous STI race car. Note the threaded bodies, which allow you to adjust ride height at the knuckle. This allow you to adjust ride height independently of preload, which is a huge advantage.

[AvusPdx]

Good to know other options. I'm hesitant with avant springs due to it having different spring rates than what's supplied with the H&R RSS. With the spacers, I can still use the springs that matches with the damper. 30mm is too much imo, and looking for poly spacers that'll work. I like the helper spring idea as well but concerned if it'll put more load on the springs.

[theweebabyseamus]

Good to know other options. I'm hesitant with avant springs due to it having different spring rates than what's supplied with the H&R RSS. With the spacers, I can still use the springs that matches with the damper. 30mm is too much imo, and looking for poly spacers that'll work. I like the helper spring idea as well but concerned if it'll put more load on the springs.

Theyre definitely out there but it takes some searching. And you have to have the exact measurements you need since its mostly from 4x4 and racing apps.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Good to know other options. I'm hesitant with avant springs due to it having different spring rates than what's supplied with the H&R RSS. With the spacers, I can still use the springs that matches with the damper. 30mm is too much imo, and looking for poly spacers that'll work. I like the helper spring idea as well but concerned if it'll put more load on the springs.

If you want to be 10mm higher (or any number between 0 and 30) you can install the 30mm spacer and lower the collar 20mm. I believe there is a 15mm spacer available, but 30mm allows more flexibility. If you're already maxed out with the height and too low you're going to be able to offset the entire 30mm spacer by lowering the collar.

[AvusPdx]

If you want to be 10mm higher (or any number between 0 and 30) you can install the 30mm spacer and lower the collar 20mm. I believe there is a 15mm spacer available, but 30mm allows more flexibility. If you're already maxed out with the height and too low you're going to be able to offset the entire 30mm spacer by lowering the collar.

I see, didn't know what the height adjust-ability was. I think the 30mm spacer will be a safe bet in this case, thank you so much for your valuable information

[redlining_red]

Perhaps you came across some of my commentary regarding my H&R Street Performance coilovers. I also tossed around the idea of adding spacers to the rear springs because with the rear mounts spun all the way up, meaning the top end of the collar is even with the top end of the perch (no threads overhanging), this is my ride height. Meanwhile, the front spring perches are somewhere in the middle of the length of available threads on the dampers:



And for whatever reason, maybe a departure from this discussion, both of the front springs look like this when the weight of the car is on the wheels at the above pictured ride height:


I count 1, maybe 1.5, active coils with the rest of them dead stacked. Sure enough, the ride on this setup is fairly harsh in my opinion. It's noticeable more jarring than the ride in my old 350z which was lowered on BC BR Series coilovers, i.e. "Chinese junk" by this forum's standards, to this ride height (any excuse to whore a pic):


The Z had a nice solid "thud" when hitting bumps, whereas the S4 has a nice calamitous "crash". So I am also in the market for a new setup and have considered the B12 kit but I'm afraid I won't be satisfied with the look after having my ride height as it is currently. Meanwhile, my current ride height gripe is that the rear appears to "sag" a bit relative to the front, which gives me just a bit of that reverse rake look, but because I'm at the top of the rear adjustment threads I can't raise the back end any higher without starting to hang some of the collar threads off the top end of the perch. I've never gotten a clear answer as to whether it's acceptable to do that, and if so by how much, because ultimately all of the force of the spring is being transmitted through those threads.

Where did you find suspension perches? does someone on here fabricate?

[mountainrd]

Hello,
How did the spacer workout, any issues long term? I’m looking to use a 30mm with my pss10 to raise the rear a bit as well.

[B7AvantErik]

I see, didn't know what the height adjust-ability was. I think the 30mm spacer will be a safe bet in this case, thank you so much for your valuable information

AvusPdx - did you ever resolve your rear spring issue on the H&R’s? Did you go with the kw spacer?

[Audpor911]

I resolved my issue with my H&R street kit by putting Eibach 325lbs race spring in the rear with a fabricated top urethane bushing on the top and bilstein B8 rear shocks. The stock H&R rear spring and shock is garbage.