When lowering your A4 with Coil-Overs

[brad65ford]

Well I never lowered a Audi before so I have some question as in what needs to be done after. I ordered Tein Basic C-O kit last week and I already have a shop that will install it. They also said they can re-align the suspension after its lowered. My main question is what is the lowest height with-out losing a good ride or not being able to align the suspension? Also is there #'s I should give the shop to align it at when its lowered or do they still go with the stock factory alignment #'s? Also do I need new sway-bars to match the ride height? Thanks guys

[Curry]

I have the tein basics on my 06 quattro, and I love the aggresive ride! I have it pretty much slammed, the ride is a little harsh b/c I went over 2.5 inches. Ussually anything over 2 inches causes camber problems. I dont have any sways, or caber kits on b/c Im on a 2 year lease and figure that if I burn thru a set of factory 17 inch tires then its no sweat to me... But if you plan to keep it for more than 2 years and want rims then it would probably be in your best interest to get a camber kit of some sort, just my .02 ...

I have minor rubbing issues when going up steep curbs (cali style curbs) but never when I am driving aggressive.

I don't think it is as easy to adjust the height on the rears as they make it out to be... in fact the rears are a PITA.

When it comes to the alignment, you want to wait till after a week to do one, anything before it all settles is a waste of money!

Hope this helps!

[brad65ford]

Man, that great to know you have the same kit and you like it. I do want it slammed but I don't what to have camber problems like you mentioned. When you say 2 lower than stock you mean the sports suspension right. I'm riding on an none sport suspension and it look like a 4 X 4 option. lol. I think I'll be lowering it like 4 inch or so. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks Curry also check your pm's.

[AudiA4_20T]

bro just to let you know 4 inches is insane I dont think thats possible.. Measure the heigh difference, id be suprised if it were that much. Ride height can be decieving

[Curry]

I second that 4 inches is insane too...

I say 2.5 at most. I came from a non sport suspension also.

As for the camber being an issue, If you put on some 19's or something you should be ok due to the fact that the height of the wheels measured from the center of the rotor limits the amount of lowering space that is availible. If that makes sense...

But tucking on stock 17inch rims will cause major camber issues after a month or two.

Ryan

[brad65ford]

Yes I'm going with 19's from my B6. You guys are right 4" is crazy its just that the none sport looks so damn high compaired to the sport.

[Hondakiller]

should have spent the extra 200 and gotten Tein SS with damp adjust....thats what i have it is so worth it

[A4UDIRULES]

I am getting KWs V2 and 18 inch wheels. Since i am new at this too i wanted to further clarfy few things that you have mentioned here if you dont mind.

Why does the height affect the chambers?

What is the chamber kit?

For 18 inch wheels what would be the optimum height so i dont have to worry having problems with my chambers?

Anything else i should pay attention to?

Thanks alot guys

[DanFromPA]

Originally posted by A4UDIRULES
I am getting KWs V2 and 18 inch wheels. Since i am new at this too i wanted to further clarfy few things that you have mentioned here if you dont mind.

Why does the height affect the chambers?

It's really the upper control arm design of the Audi Front Suspension. The control arm will pull the wheels inward as you lower more. Hence, it increases the negative camber. The negative camber simply means your wheels are tilted toward the center of the car / \ ... This will put weight of your car on the inner tire treads and will wear out your tires faster. However, the cornering should be better. Another thing to remember is that the bushing (joint) in the upper control arm will wear off faster with the negative camber. It is suppressed on one side already..... (FYI - Personally I would not go lower than 25.5" from fender to the ground. This should produce about 1.5 deg. negative camber in the front).


What is the chamber kit?

The aftermarket parts to replace the upper control arm in the AUDI... This parts has the nuts and bolts that can extend or shorten the control arm to adjust the camber.


For 18 inch wheels what would be the optimum height so i dont have to worry having problems with my chambers?

The optimum height should be based on the shock/struts/springs rate balance. Another word of saying, you should only adjust the spring perch based on the manufacturer's recommendation. Not by your height preference. The CO manufacturer will have the "Lower" and "Upper" boundaries of the dampening for the product... Generally speaking, I would not lower more than an inch from the stock OEM sport suspension.


Anything else i should pay attention to?

Installation. It is critical for the professional to install the suspension correctly. The CO tends to make more noise and will produce negative results if it is not installed correctly... If you haven't bought the KW2, consider the B7 S4 PSS9 CO. I like this design cause bilstein provides the helper springs to prevent springs from rotating under severe impact to reduce noise and keep thing in one piece (the fronts). Also, the spring purch has the rubber seatting and other gaskets to make this CO quieter than others. It also comes with external adjustability which you will not need to take suspension apart to do so... I only said S4 model cause B7 weighs about 200 lbs more than B6. Then again S4 weighs 200 lbs more than B7 A4... But, I like having more dampening and rebound capacity especially when nose of the car is so heavy like AUDI B7 A4...