cheap, good, used stock 5kcstq spring(s)?

[Ken Keith]

Hi Wallace,

For the longest time, I've gone through cycles of thinking it's 
sagging, and then dismissing it when I check the finger space 
between the tires and wheelwells.  (I realize a more proper 
measurement would be from the centerline of the wheel to the 
fender.)  I've noticed it feels like it leans to the right while driving 
down the road, but couldn't rule out the crown in the surface.

The handling seems fine, but it's been aligned.  That probably 
means all the wheels are rolling down the road straight, but the 
body is driving a bit crooked.  The front end is rather noisy upon 
cornering, but I think that's blown struts.

The other day I was looking at the car's rear from a distance, and 
decided it was indeed lower on that side.  I wonder why that corner, 
it's the opposite side than the one the driver is always sitting in.

I'm really torn on the suspension for this car ('88 5kcstq).  For most 
of my driving life, I've liked my cars/trucks lowered.  However, the 
ride in the 5kcstq is so sweet, even with the bad struts, that it 
really seems a shame to degrade the comfortable ride.

I guess purpose of this car in my stable would be for longer trips, or 
carrying a carload of passengers, so a stock suspension is 
probably preferred.  (but) on the other hand, long trips often include 
higher cruising speeds, and firmer suspension is a good thing in 
those instances.

So, my "decision" is to replace the struts and experience the stock 
Audi intent, and then maybe go from there at a later date.  It's hard 
to resist the "while you're in there" mentality, especially when it 
involves an alignment every time.

But to do the suspension right, I think I will have to do some other 
maintenance items at the same time.  I'm thinking wheel bearings, 
control arm bushings, strut bearings (no Type 44 experience here 
yet), and those rear tie rods, or ends if I can find them.  I think 
that's it, except for maybe replacing the bump stops and dust 
boots.  For the struts, I like Bilstein.  I think their firmness will 
complement the stock springs.  If Eibachs were on the market, I 
would not hesitate to put them on my car, despite my ride quality 
concerns.

While I'm rambling, I think my 5kcstq might look good with the rear 
emblems all shaved off, leaving the rings in the center, and a 4kq 
stock rear spoiler with the center lock hole filled.  The paint isn't 
perfect there anyway (the emblems lift the paint when they are 
removed!), so both the lid and spoiler could be painted at the same 
time.  The 4kq spoiler would make the car look more boxy, but it 
almost matches the car well.

Best regards,

Ken

On 15 Aug 2001, at 7:51, Wallace White wrote:

> Interesting... my right rear spring is sagging too. I too am looking to
> replace one or both springs (someday) and the strut inserts, but not to
> lower the car.
> 
> - Wallace
>   '87 5kcstq 176k
> 
> Ken Keith wrote:
> > 
> > Hello,
> > 
> > Does anyone here have any used springs for a 5kcstq they want to
> > get rid of?  I need with one rear, both rears, or a full set if they need
> > to stay together.  Ideally, I'd like to find some free or cheap ones.
> > 
> > My right rear corner sags, and I'd like to have a known good one to
> > put in when I replace the struts.
> > 
> > I'm leaning (no pun intended) towards the idea of not lowering the
> > car yet, but replacing the worn struts.
>