sagging avant rear

Thu Sep 9 01:09:45 EDT 2004

Dave, 

I have springs from both '91 200 20V tq avant and from '87 5000 CStq Avant.  They are available if we need to use them for a workup.  I plan(ned) to install the 200 springs on a 5000 tqa to lower slightly with higher spring rate, but not necesarily at this point, especially since one '87 is just about sold and the others have some interested.  I wouldn't be needing these right away, and possibly not at all.

I noted that the 200 20Vtqa springs were about 1/2" shorter than the 5000 springs.  The 200 spring seemed to be a little heavier duty and measured larger spring guage than the 5000.  My guess is the 200 springs were a bit more aggressive and gave the car a slightly lower stance.

 I now have the H&R springs on it and like them with Bilstien in fron and koni sport in rear.  I use this car for towing some pretty decent loads of half ton or more - closer to a ton incl. trailer weight.  Basically have only been limited by how much the trailer can carry.  Having the camber set properly in the rear prevents a rubbing problem I had with the oversize (225/60VR16) tires on stock BBS wheels.  I love this car for its all around combined sprotiness and duribility.  Had no problem towing trailer in group rally with OLD SCHOOL Quattros and with the power was easily keeping up with the Coupe 20V's.  I kind of used the trailer as a rudder and no problems with the hairpin turns or "BreakNeck Road".  Once on the highway, I can loose just about anyone even when pulling the loaded trailer.

If I were to make one improvement, it would be to install some kind of height adjustable spring/strut like on the Allroad.

Keith,

I assume that you are haveing the "sagging" problem when not carrying a load and that indicated the springs are probably loosing their "springiness".  On the avants I've had (several) most sat nice and high in the rear so that the car had a wedge like appearance.  I recall having one that did seem to"sag" in the rear.  Also some of the struts give a little bit of lift to the car, even though their primary function is damping.  Possibly all you need is to "refresh' the suspension. some.  Check all your bushings and mounts are tight and not compressed.

Ben

[Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2004 15:48:10 -0400
From: "Michael, Dave" <Dave_Michael at maxtor.com>
Subject: RE:sagging avant rear
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Cc: LawyerKG at co.laplata.co.us
Message-ID:
<D4E2972D02FCE04892B07FCE9F4FE0F915DD77 at mawexc03.corp.mxtr.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Keith,

My 90 200 avant is suffering the same fate. A while back I researched
having custom springs made, and found that it is very reasonable. Below
is the response I got from a place called  coil spring specialties
(coilspring.com). Only problem is that they need a sample spring and/or
detailed specs, which I have not had the chance to research. If the
spring specs are available, maybe we could get a group buy?

Dave
90 200qa 203K

QUOTE

      Front spring price*:
      N/A Rear spring price*:
      $128.20-168.20 per pair 
            Shipping: approximately $25.00 
            Delivery: approximately 3 weeks day(s) 
            Recommendations: Need one rear sample. Thanks Madeleine  

      To Order:
      Verify that all contact/shipping information and vehicle
specifications below are correct and then:
Call (785) 437-2025 OR Fax (785) 437-2266 
      OR
      print this email, and send with check or credit card information:
      Coil Spring Specialties
      632 W. Bertrand
      St. Marys, KS 66536 

Mastercard or Visa ONLY.

At Coil Spring Specialties, we individually calibrate
specialized coil springs for any vehicle.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------

QUOTE SPECIFICATIONS
      Contact Information
            Name: dave Michael 
            Company:  
            Address:  
            City:  
            State: MA 
            Zip: 02466 
            Telephone:  
            Fax:  
            E-mail: dave_michael at maxtor.com 
     Vehicle Specifications
            Year: 1990 
            Make: Audi 
            Model: 200 quattro wagon 
            Type of Transmission: 5 sp manual 
            Size of Engine: 2.3l turbo 
            Type of Engine: gas 
            Air Conditioning: yes 
            Body Style: wagon 
Rear Springs
            Quantity of Springs: 1 pair 
            Ride quality: standard 
            If heavy duty,:
            please explain why    
            change in rate: +10 to 20% 
            Modification: no_modification 
            change in height:  

      Additional Notes: 
            Interested in knowing of progressive rate springs can be
made so there is less settling when the car is loaded. Rear suspension
is s strut type. 

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 14:00:09 -0600
From: "Keith Lawyer" <LawyerKG at co.laplata.co.us>
Subject: RE:sagging avant rear
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Message-ID: <s13f1073.069 at mail.co.laplata.co.us>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Now that's somewhat promising and I'd _guess_ for that price they're
less than stock replacements.  I was also thinking something like a 20%
or even 25% increase in rate would be lovely.  I have to think given the
weight and wheelbase of the avants it would hardly be noticeable, and
would be much appreciated when the car is loaded.

I was cringing at the idea of custom, as my experience with other
places like National Spring or Alcan (for entirely different
applications mind you) has indicated the cost is generally quite high,
but this seems quite reasonable.

Thank you for the info Dave!  I'm not opposed to tearing down the car
to send them a spring, with two drivers and 4 registered vehicles we can
always make due :)  

My only concern would be if even removed from the car my worn springs
might reflect a lesser height than NEW stock?  I know this is common on
trucks..........

Keith L

>>> "Michael, Dave" <Dave_Michael at maxtor.com> 09/08/04 01:48PM >>>
Keith,

My 90 200 avant is suffering the same fate. A while back I researched
having custom springs made, and found that it is very reasonable.
Below
is the response I got from a place called  coil spring specialties
(coilspring.com). Only problem is that they need a sample spring
and/or
detailed specs, which I have not had the chance to research. If the
spring specs are available, maybe we could get a group buy?

Dave
90 200qa 203K

QUOTE

      Front spring price*:
      N/A Rear spring price*:
      $128.20-168.20 per pair 
            Shipping: approximately $25.00 
            Delivery: approximately 3 weeks day(s) 
            Recommendations: Need one rear sample. Thanks Madeleine  

      To Order:
      Verify that all contact/shipping information and vehicle
specifications below are correct and then:
Call (785) 437-2025 OR Fax (785) 437-2266 
      OR
      print this email, and send with check or credit card
information:
      Coil Spring Specialties
      632 W. Bertrand
      St. Marys, KS 66536 

Mastercard or Visa ONLY.

At Coil Spring Specialties, we individually calibrate
specialized coil springs for any vehicle.]