Where do I start with smartening up suspension?

[CliveH]

Forgive me if this has been asked before, but where did you guys start with tightening up the sloppy suspension?

I guess the first step is to replace ARBs? Front and rear? Any preference for brand? Size?

Thanks in advance,

[4WheelDrifter]

I would start with the bushes.

[Ross]

As you said, ARBs, RS2 front and a whiteline rear. First thing I did, and it really transformed the car. Or you can get inventive like Doug or Tom (see Andy's thread).

Also as Stu said make sure bushes are renewed if they're not in good nick.

[CliveH]

Thanks for the prompt responses guys

Approximate costs?

[Ross]

First thing I did was the ARBs clive, should have done bushes first tbh but it made a huge difference. Still suffered Pitch + Dive but roll was eliminated and she felt soo much better thru roundabouts! I had to replace the droplinks too, back ones were knackered...

RARB = 110
FARB = 85 (they are nearer 200 now aparrently!)
droplinks = approx. 80

[Jamo]

ARB's, drop links, bushes, top mounts.

Then maybe look at new shocks and springs either keep OEM or Bilstein / Koni route.

[S2central.net]

Jamo has nailed it in the same order of priority I would have stated.

Think long and hard about lowered springs on the S2 - it sits pretty low already and if (like me) you enjoy B-roads more than M-roads you might be needing titanium skid plates. A damper upgrade is a good idea if yours are showing age.

Only thing hasn't been mentioned is subframe mounts. It is possible to get uprated rubber, nylon and rigid alloy versions of these. The stiffest ones aren't to everyones taste - great for smooth roads but much less so on the bumpy stuff and some have complained about extra cabin noise with the alloy subframe mounts.

Oh and don't forget the track-rod ends and bottom ball joints - heavy wear there will create poor steering response and bad alignment... Nae point in doing everything else and getting it aligned with ropey old track rods !


Paul

[s2driveruk]

yep B-road performance definately dented with lowered springs. I took a (very) quick route back from Gatwick last year which i used to drive before I had the car lowered and the car was all over the place, especially bottoming out on those back roads. Soon as the road smoothed out, it was great again...thing is i think mine looks better dropped on the RS4's its shod with and on the roads I normally drive on it's not a problem...

The alloy subframe bushes (mine were from dialynx) have been great, no negatives so far as i can see/feel but definately check you balljoints, when i changed mine last they were knackered!!! Never underestimate the power of tired rubber to ruin your fun - am about to renew everything on my suspension this spring/summer, bushes, droplinks, front wishbones, diff mounts, top mounts (again...zzz) etc as mine was getting a bit sloppy

[CliveH]

Thanks for all the replies guys much appreciated

As regards lowering springs, I'm probably going to put my S4 B6 18s on, which is going to make it sit a bit higher, so I wouldnt discount that.