I dont wana walk into this all noob style but i'm guna have to. I'm just wanting to put on some new suspension on my 97 A4 1.8t. I really dont know which route I should go. I dont plan on making this thing into a race machine. I just wana keep it riding nice. I'm going to Be throwing some bigger wheels on it later this summer. Which brings me to another question? How big am I able to go without rubbing? This post makes no sense sorry. Basically should I just stick to replacing with stock type suspenison or should I just invest in some aftermarket suspesion? :D

aftermarket all the way... a nice set of coilovers will please you and your wallet compared to oem

i think 9in is as wide as you want to go, but it might me 9.5in, but dont take my word on it. you can get coilovers like ^ said or you can new shocks and springs. if you want to go really low or race a lot and dont care about drive comfort, get H&R race springs and bilstein shocks. or get H&R sport if you want your ride to be a little bit lower.

ya know, I wouldn't mind going a little lower. Just to give it a nicer stance. But.... I dont really wana lose the nicer ride. What's good for a slight drop but smooth ride? I dont wana go to low, because I Want to be able to tuck those wheels.

cost is the factor and most dealer parts are re stamped aftermarket parts ( if it fits and works then use it ) cossssst;)

it seems like bilstein shocks and h&r sport springs are the favored choice around here. they are cheaper than coilovers and they give you a really good stance. not too low, and look great with 18 in rims. google or search around for some pictures