I have a 2001 A4 quattro 1.8T that is in need of some updating upfront. I have found an entire set to replace basically every part of the suspension (Minus shocks/springs) at 034 motorsports. Am i better to just buy the new kit for $600+ or in the name of saving money(cause im broke ) can i buy the parts individually from someone with an S4? basically what i need to know is, does the S4 share similar suspension (Just sportier) or are the 2 different cars underneath? I would imagine they are basically the same and there are plenty of part outs on the forum. I am not going racing, the car is my daily driver but i want something that i dont have to worry about for another 100K miles. im at 150 now and plan on replacing the shocks and springs in the next month and figure while im under there, might as well go ahead and replace the entire suspension. If anyone knows of a kit that comes with all of it (Sway bar, swing arms, shocks and springs etc...) please point me in the right direction. after a week of owning this car i am absolutely in love with it, for 150K miles it runs better than damn near any other vehicle i have ever had.

 

No need to spend $600 for a new kit... Also no reason to buy used suspension components (shocks+struts are a different matter). I think the S4 also uses aluminum knuckles which might use different control arms from your car.

You can get a FCP Groten control arm/tie rod end kit for something like $250 shipped including the upgraded all-metal tie rod ends. Many people here including myself have successfully installed and used this kit.

 

S4 lower arms are different with the alum spindles but the alum spindles are lighter and better so go ***** out

 

Not sure you can use S4 spindles with A4 brakes - my understanding from the S4 brake conversion DIY on Passatworld.com is that the spindles from an S4 are needed to use S4 brakes. Conversely, I don't think A4 brakes will work unless you use A4 spindles.

As for struts/springs - search it out on here. It's been addressed many times. I've answered it several times and included a link to a post I made of my impressions on Audifreaks.

 

yea i have seen all of the post about shocks and springs, there is thousands of post about shocks and springs, but i havent seen much on replacing everything underneath. I am going to look into the FCP Groten Kit as that seems more of what i am looking for. M. Right now i just need something that handles better than the shot stock without busting my wallet, which i would imagine anything would be better . Right now my car sounds like a porno bed, just keeps squeeking, worse now that its getting cold and with the arm going out i know if i fix one, the other is sure to follow. Perhaps with the money saved on the Groten Kit, i should be able to get some better shocks and springs. thanks for the help guys!

 

the spindle part is correct. but the hp2 are a cheap and much better set up, the spacing is very different. with s4 spindle tho you can use cayenne calipers and 350mm rotors. a4 and s4 brakes are not interchangeable they will only work with appropriate spindles.

 

very much appreciate the help guys, one last question if i do the entire front should i replace the rear suspension as well. I am planning on putting either coilovers or shocks and new springs all around (depends on price and what i have available). Should i just leave the back alone and just replace the shocks/springs? sorry if this is a dumb question, i have never really messed with my suspension before, so this will be learning experience for me. any clues on a kit that would just come with everything for the front and rear minus springs/shocks? i would rather just buy one kit, checked out FCPGroten and here is what i found for the front 1996-2001 Audi A4 Front Control Arm Kit | A4 Parts

but nothing for the back.

 

I used this kit on my car:

2000-2002 Audi S4 Suspension Kit | Audi S4 Suspension Parts

I'm not sure if there is really any difference between the kits besides online marketing, but the price is the same...

FCP is great. I work in Groton, CT so I do a lot of business with the retail location there.

 

thanks johnson, it looks like everything i would need is there, does groton offer anything for the rear suspension? since im basically replacing the entire suspension up front, i would like to go ahead and upgrade the back as well. just one less thing to worry about. i am replacing the motor mounts and front mount with a snub nose, and most likely the transmission mounts as well, and new shocks and springs (dont think i want coilovers, atleast for now). I can only imagine the difference all this will make.

 

Besides bearings (which I'm doing now) I haven't had any problems with the rear of my car, but I'm not lowering it. Since you're pulling the struts out I would at least inspect all the bushings/balljoint and see if any look worn, and see if there is any 'play' in them.

You can call and ask FCP, I'm sure they can get you what ever you need, but it probably won't be a concise kit like what they offer for the front.