[V8] Jeremy's to-do list, was Headlight Question U.S. DOT's

[Jeremy Ward]

Thanks for the input Keith.  I often get caught in
what-I-would-like-to-do vs. what-I-should-do.  :-)

There was some discussion last month on the NW Audi List about Steel
Braded Brake lines vs. OEM...  Anyone care to weigh in on this?

Also, my car came with Yellow Koni and H&R Sports installed from the PO,
but I have no idea how old the struts are.  I don't *notice* any
luxobarge issues, but with heavy-duty spring rates, how do you know when
it is time to replace them?  I assume Koni doesn't sell a 'refresh kit',
but rather the full kit you would buy if you were starting from stock,
right?

Lastly, I am suffering from a vibration off the line that seems to be
coming from the middle to rear of the car.  Anyone have any tips on how
to tell the difference between a failed motor mount vs. failed front
subframe bushing, vs. rear subframe bushing, vs. an issue with the
driveshaft?

Thanks in advance,

- Jeremy

BTW, I have decided to not sell my baby to buy a 5spd model.  The goal
is to get the car in tip-top shape and when the TB is due in 3 years,
spend my kid's college savings...  If anyone has a line on a 4.2 and a
B5 S4 6spd transmission between now and then, let me know ;-)

<<snip>> 
 Brake hoses...I wish I had a dollar for every "perfect" V8 I've had  on
the 
rack that turned out to have 4 dry rotted brake hoses and fluid that
probably 
hadn't been flushed in 10 years.
 
 Struts...  Worn struts allow excessive suspension movement and
accelerate 
the wear of other components...namely balljoints and control arm
bushings. 
Furthermore they are dangerous in emergency maneuvers and panic
braking. If your 
"perfect" V8 rides like a high dollar luxobarge you need  new
struts...NOW. 
The V8 should handle like what it is...a SPORT sedan.
 
 Front suspension rebuild.... for the cost of a new set of Euro's I  can

rebuild your entire front subframe, that's 2 new control arms all  6
stabilizer 
bushings, and 4 subframe mounting bushings. If you like to do your  own
work you 
can toss on both front struts and rear shocks AND the headlamp  relays
for 
your DOT's at the same time.....now there is a cost effective upgrade
you can 
enjoy day or night!
<<snip>>