Advice sought for cheap lowering options - 1998 B5 1.9 TDi

A4 stu

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As per title I am looking at changing the springs on my standard 1998 B5 TDi sallon to something that will improve the stance and also add some improvement to the handling while still being able to retain the original shocks. This is a limited budget modification so cheaper is better!

I see several options and welcome advice and opinion on all:

1. Cut original springs

2. Source used OEM springs from an S4 version and fit?

3. Source a cheap set of new springs like these:
Audi A4 1.9 (94-00) 40mm Prosport Lowering Spring Kit 120037 | eBay

I have no Audi experience, but I have retro fitted sportline suspension to a 1990 Mercedes 190E. I used genuine new OEM parts and was very impressed with the quality and effect, BUT, my circumstances now are somewhat different and buying a full suspension package is now out of my budget.

The standard ride is a little too soft and wallowy. The car is a daily driver and so not pushed hard and I have no plans for any engine mods or future suspension upgrades.

Stu
 
1.) this wouldn't be an option I'd consider personally.

2.) don't get s4 stuff, the spring rates are different due to the weight difference of the engine, and unless yours is a Quattro the rears won't fit at all. That said the suspension from a 1.8t sport should be ok

3.) never heard of these so do plenty of Internet research to see if people have had problems with the manufacturer.

Im using eibach springs on mine, they were about 200 for the set but they are well known brand ( pretty sure they make the standard stuff) and people are generally happy with them
 
Depends on how limited your budget is, I would try and consider getting a kit.
I bought a set of Koni Steer SRT or something like that. Lowered it be 40mm, the ride is pretty much the same, possible a little bit stiffer but nothing uncomfortable, bout £300-£400 for the kit I think.

The other option is to buy a set of used Sport spring and shocks from someone who is upgrading.
Sport suspension is about 30mm lower than standard I think.
 
1. Cut original springs

2. Source used OEM springs from an S4 version and fit?

3. Source a cheap set of new springs like these:
Audi A4 1.9 (94-00) 40mm Prosport Lowering Spring Kit 120037 | eBay
Stu

1 completely dangerous and I wouldn't even consider this it will also fail its mot and you risk having the car seized by the police if you were to do this and be pulled.

2. as stated above due to the spring rates the front wouldn't come down much and the rears wont fit .. don't waste you're money

3. there cheap for a reason.. they'll be crap yes they will make the car sit nice but I would put money on it it would be a complete pig to drive at speed.

heres an other option.. as above buy a set of second hand 1.8t sport or 1.9 tdi sport springs and shockies the front springs have the same load rating as far as Im aware.
so this would put you're car to a nice height and it should still drive nice and be stable at speed.
 
The best option for u would be to go for FK AK Street Audi A4 B5 Coilover Suspension KIT 1994 1999 | eBay . I have them myself and its much better then any lowering spring combained with OE shocks. I have tried before and result was really bad the ride wasnt comfortable at all but with fk coilovers u would still have a good ride good handling and stance. Cheap springs are dangerous they probably wont even last long. save a bit extra to get at least something thats gona be safe.
 
I did the 1.8t suspension route on my 1.9 TDi a few years ago and it knocked out the front tyres in 8,000 miles from new. The camber angles were all wrong for the car with the 1.8t fitment.


I wouldn't bother with Audi as they wont help with upgrades...


Try Ebay.de you will get a pleasant surprise price wise... Email the suppliers you fancy and then compare their price incl delivery to the UK price and you will be amazed at the difference.
 
8000 miles that doesn't sound right. ive done around 10k miles since i got it lowered and there is no deferent wear in tyres at all. if its not aligned after lowering it its gona eat your tyres cause i remember doing alignment on my car after getting coilovers it was of by more then 2 degrees.
 
heres an other option.. as above buy a set of second hand 1.8t sport or 1.9 tdi sport springs and shockies the front springs have the same load rating as far as Im aware.
so this would put you're car to a nice height and it should still drive nice and be stable at speed.

I have a set of b5 1.8t front and rear shocks with springs up for sale at a the mo. Just need to either fit new top mounts or transplant yours over :)

Or as said, a set of cheap coilovers, then you can set the height you want. I'm running FK streetline and the only criticism I have is that the locking rings tend to weld to the strut.
 
I fitted those prosport springs to my dads car a few months ago. Cheap and cheerful, and a bit awkward to fit, but they've given no problems and the car looks spot on now.