4000q Rear Springs (was springs with "lowering" clamps? (87 4kq)

[Frank de Kat]

>Message: 13
>Date: Mon, 04 Dec 2000 19:40:07 -0800
>From: Luke Rickert <rickert at engr.orst.edu>
>Organization: Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University
>To: audi list <quattro at audifans.com>
>Subject: springs with "lowering" clamps? (87 4kq)
>
>Today while switching to the stock wheels with snows (more optimism than
>necessity in these parts right now) I noticed something strange about
>the front springs on my '87 4kq.  There are a couple "u" clamps holding
>two of the coils together, functionally shortening the spring.  Is this
>stock? The rear is still too low, but perhaps these clamps are supposed
>to help even things out.  It makes me nervous from a creep/fatigue point
>of view, although I don't suppose it matters so long as I don't want to
>use the springs in an unrestrained state. 
>
>I would still like to replace the sagged rear springs with stiffer and
>longer springs, but as previously lamented, finding longer springs that
>maintain or gain ride height, without going to adjustable perch "coil
>overs" is not easily done. any comments?  I found a message in the
>archives that said the pre-85 4kq's have higher rear perches than the
>later versions, can anyone comment on this and the possibility of a
>swap? Or perhaps some perch relocation/fabrication would be an option.
>
>thanks
>
>Luke 
>
>-- 
>Luke Rickert
>www.engr.orst.edu/~rickert
>
I had a similar problem of sagging rear springs in my 4000q. 
I ended up putting front 4000q springs in the back. Significantly stiffer,
raised the back, and made it a bit more 'tail happy'. As I do road rallies,
both the added height, and the bit more oversteer are good.
It's relativly easy job, and you don't have to committ to anything like you
would if going to coilovers. Front springs seat the same in the back. Front
4000q springs should be easy enough to source (Some Coupe front springs are
similar too. May be easier to source) And of course.. When you have the
struts out, it's a good time to replace the wheel bearings, strut top
bearings, and the shocks!  :=)
Personally, I'd set the front springs back to normal at the same time.
You'll already have the spring compressor...

Regards,


Frank de Kat 
fdekat at sentex.net   
Dundas, Ontario, Canada

Audi 4000q 
http://www.sentex.net/~fdekat
(To see "The Rally Pictures")