4000q Sumpguard

[Frank de Kat]

Hello All:
I'm wondering if anyone else had dealt with this problem?
I have a 4000q, and run it occasionally in road rallies.  As the previous
owner had done the same (and had seriously dented the oil pan), I thought
it advisable that I install a sump guard.  I made a 'hoop' that went down
from the frame, just behind where the front bumper mounts. The hoop goes
under the motor, just behind the crank pully. 
The actuall guard (aluminum plate) bolts to the hoop at the frront, and to
the subframe at the back, just under the rear of the oil pan.

THe problem is, when hitting frost heaves, large rocks, or landing after a
bit of 'negative weight' time, the sumpguard gets hit. Hard. And these hits
go straight to the subframe. It's getting to the point where the motor is
almost sitting on the suframe (I've already replace the motor mounts.
Helped a lot. New parts were different than the old 'hydraulic' fluid
filled type. New style were just rubber, with a huge washer. Much stiffer.
Also, after a good hit, I can feel that the alingment has changed.

So... Any ideas on how to mount the rear of the sumpguard, so that any hit
does not go to the subframe? Any BTDT?
Also, suggestions to raise the front suspension (without going to
coilovers) would probably help too. I've replaced the rear (sagged out)
springs with 4000q front springs. THat really helped the back, but did
nothing for the front. Any thoughts on replacing the front springs with
something else that will 'bolt in' from something else in the 'Audi Family'?

Regards,






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

Audi 4000CSq (x2 !)
http://www.sentex.net/~fdekat
(To see "The Rally Pictures")