How do bilstein sport shocks and struts ride?

[theman53]

I need to do the bucket O' parts on the struts on my new 2001 jetta. I have to do the bearing and figured I would replace the struts as they aren't great, but still function. Question for me is the Bilstein Sport is it going to be too rough and not do well in the snow? Would the HD be a better option? Let me know as there really isn't too big of a price gap between them 220.00 or 235.00 is the best I have found for the HD and Sport respectively...if you can find better I would do that too

[8v-of-fury]

If the price is that close (albeit too pricey for me) I would just go with the HD struts.

Ive heard good things about KYB AGX. $135 on rockauto.

http://info.rockauto.com/getimage/getimage.php?imagekey=502985&imageurl=http%3A//info.rockauto.com/KYB/734033.jpg

[theman53]

I have riden with KYB, not in my car, but for me they seem too stiff on a back road. Like everything I think I can shell out the coin for a one time deal. I already have some sport rear shocks used coming...so my only dilema is HD or Sport fronts. I guess I meant better on the Bilstein price, sorry I should have specified.

[8v-of-fury]

Ok if you are set on Bilsteins I would suggest towards the HD. They are going to have better dampening capabilities for when the strut is in farther (ie. hard cornering or heavy loads). They will have better valving to deal with the added movement when the piston is near bottom.

Also, what springs are you going to run. Please dont tell me you are gonna do a Bilstein suspension on stock springs..

[theman53]

I had plans on stock. I don't want it to be "sporty" I have my dead jetta for that. I do want quality struts, better handling, and stock feel.

[8v-of-fury]

So what you need are a light sport spring. I got Racelands 25mm drop for my 84. It worked out so that they were actually exactly the amount of sag my stock springs had, so the ride height did not change, but the spring rate did. Much better handling.

[rabbitman]

I have a set of the HD's on the front of my rabbit. I don't think I'd do it again.

They are harsh in summer but in the winter (colder than about 0F) they're actually brutal. I love 'em for rippin' on paved roads or rallying off road on dirt since washboards aren't an issue but on gravel roads with washboards they're pretty rough and interior conversation is difficult.

I also have moog heavy duty springs too.........and being MK1 it's not so special to start with so a MK2 might be ok.

I've got a big writeup on here somewhere........

[theman53]

Yeah this is 2001 jetta IV, but I want to stick with stock springs. Also, I have no love for the Mk1 Rabbit suspension and maybe that most of your problem. I did find your posts earlier but was hoping someone might have an idea for the IV. It usually only stays around 0F for 2 weeks here and I could hopefully stand that even if it is bad on the IV. Thanks for the input.

[8v-of-fury]

Hmm, I dunno if Catlin has a suspension other than stock in his IV... worth asking

[theman53]

I would like to try the HD's. Bilstein has a TC - touring class that are cheap and painted black, but I would really like to have something better. The TC are only around 85.00 each and supposed to give stock ride. I guess it is between those 2 for me now. I hate that it should be a one time investment for me and if I don't like it I am stuck.

[R.O.R-2.0]

I would like to try the HD's. Bilstein has a TC - touring class that are cheap and painted black, but I would really like to have something better. The TC are only around 85.00 each and supposed to give stock ride. I guess it is between those 2 for me now. I hate that it should be a one time investment for me and if I don't like it I am stuck.

ive been using KYB GR2 suspension for a while now, and love it. its not too harsh, but not too stock feeling.. its a nice happy medium.

[theman53]

Going with the Bilstein 22 045751 touring sport. I forgot since buying this Jetta I have no money, so I am going the cheap route. The pair of these will be the same cost as one HD.

[rabbitman]

Going with the Bilstein 22 045751 touring sport. I forgot since buying this Jetta I have no money, so I am going the cheap route. The pair of these will be the same cost as one HD.

haha, yup I wish I'd thought of it that way when I bought mine. Now I'm sittin' here thingin' of how I threw my money at these things and I'm never gonna get it back out of 'em.......I was sick of changing the sachs junk every two years but at least they didn't beat me to death.

[vanbcguy]

Anyone have any advice for the rears if you tend to carry a lot of weight?

I got new Monroe quickstruts (new springs and struts packaged together) on all 4 corners about 2 years ago.  The fronts are fine, but the rears not so much - the car bottoms out pretty easily (I usually have a decent toolbox in the trunk), plus I pull a trailer fairly often.  I think the trailer has beaten the crap outta the Monroes already as the car will bounce pretty good if it's been sitting for a while.  After 3-4 bounces it starts to firm up but that's pretty pathetic really.

I have been STRONGLY thinking about going with the Bilstein HD's in the rear but I don't want to end up with a nasty ride either.

[theman53]

I just put the touring sports up front and the actual bilstein sport rears *used* on the rear of the 2001 jetta I asked the question about. I think they are fine. I like it for ride quality and would recommend. I don't know about sports up front, but sports in rear is fine. HD up front and either sport rear or HD rear I bet would be good too.