a2 suspension revisited and extended

Following on from this, I'll expand it : http://kivikuvat.blogspot.com/2011/11/post-on-something-completely-different.html

There are multiple options:
- FSDs are soft-ish
- Bilstein B4s are "standard", B6s a tick harder and B8s shorter
- Monroe reflexes are supposed to be the "same tech" as FSDs, but cheaper
- Spidan springs are as "standard"
 - Weitec springs are harder
 - Eibach / ABT springs are a *tick* harder than standard

Tyre pressures make a huge difference. I was running 2.3 all round on my car and then changed it to 2.7 or so at the back. The crashiness over potholes increased - and massively, too. I drive a set of gravel roads regularly to the stables and the holes don't change *that* much, so I know where they are - and the difference is amazing.

I much prefer the 2.3 setup.

Wheel weights also make a huge difference, so lightweight wheels with low profile 15s, Spidans and FSDs are probably the softest / most effective "magic carpet" combo you will get. B6s will also be not far behind. You will still get roll and nod, but not too much.
FSDs also seem to not be consistent between one batch and another.

From here:
 - minimal roll, nod, squat is probably acheived with Koni Yellows, Oz Ultraleggeras in 17x7 with 205/40R17 and Weitec springs.
Alternative? Silverline with the Stainless parts or it will no longer be adjustable after the first winter ;)
 - medium comfort with some roll, nod, and squat: 16" 195/45R16 Oz Superturismo, B6, Weitec or ABT / Eibach
 - high comfort with some sportiness left: 195/50R15 on, say TD Pro Race or other 6.5 - 7J x15 *light* wheel, B6 or FSD, Eibach, possibly Weitec
 - comfort: B4, Spidan, pepperpots with 185/60R15.

Do not forget to check the droplinks and the antirollbar mounts as if they are loose or worn, you will get crappy handling. You should also think about the lower balljoints and therefore wishbones including their rubber mounts if you want to tighten things up. Rear mounts are more difficult to replace but only about €20 each in Germany.

So:
 - Replace your droplinks
 - replace the ARB mounting points if you haven't already
 - Ensure your tyres / wheels are conducive to the ride you're looking for; note also the relative size of teh tyre to the wheel
 - a 195 tyre on 7J will be nearly stretched, on 6J it will be much softer as a result.
 - Check your wishbone mounts front and rear, they may be OK, maybe not. Replace for optimal results.

Parts list:
8Z0 412 301 - front bump stop (2 pieces)
6Q0 512 131 B - rear bump stop (2 pieces)
6N0 412 249 C - strut bearing (2 pieces)

also recommended to exchange especially in case of high mileage:

8Z0 511 149 A - rear, bottom spring yellow PUR rubber seat (2 pieces)
1J0 512 149 B , rear, top spring black hard-rubber seat (2 pieces)
6N0 413 175 A - dust protection for the front damper piston rod (2 pieces)
1J0 513 425 A - dust protection tube for the rear damper piston rod (2 pieces) -
8Z0 411 315 D - droplink (2 pieces) (REPLACE with MEYLE HD version, but make 100% sure you have the correct tool to tighten them!)

 suggested to exchange due to possible rust pitting:
 N 019 530 3 - screw (6 pieces)
N 101 064 02 - nut (4 pieces)
N 101 389 02 - screw (4 pieces)
N 102 078 03 - screw (4 pieces)
N 102 613 10 - nut (2 pieces)
N 102 861 10 - nut (2 pieces)
N 104 018 01 - nut (2 pieces)
N 905 173 02 - screw (2 pieces)
N 906 484 02 - screw (4 pieces)
N 909 081 01 - nut (2 pieces)

 - Bret