New suspension, to go softer than OEM or not?

[hdlo]

I'm ordering suspension for my 1.4 TDI (OSS) 1GA standard susp.. It is a myriad of part numbers, VINs and equipment codes, tabs of forums post, part catalogues, and parts sellers. It is dizzying After googling english and german forums I've worked out that OYK is code for a weight class for rear springs. J24 is code for weight class for fronts (these are option codes from the service book).

The word here seem to be that A2 springs weren't the bees knees. Too stiff and linear. AFAIK my springs are not broken, but they are old, and I need new dampers at least at the front. (Monroe OESpectrum, and it would be a shame to destroy them if springs are weak.). I am driving around with shot front shocks,.

Any opinions on slighty downgrading spring weight class? E.g. from J24 to J26.

Autodoc are sold out on the correct weight class for the rear (0YK).

FRONT
correct springs for my car is J24:
6Q 041 105 AC Eibach R10410 348 / 11.25 mm

which is stiffer than "comfort package" J26:
8Z0 411 105 AM Sachs 998 403 342 / 11.15 mm

REAR
correct springs for my car is 0YK:
not available..

which is stiffer than "comfort package" 0YJ:
8Z0 511 115 BB Sachs 996 940 338 / 10.2 mm / 104

I wonder what G22 comfort package springs are meant for. I realize it has different (longer) bump stops..

This is from Monroe part catalogue, and how should I interpret this? The E-numbers is the old Reflex numbers that many people seem to have used on this forum. Autodoc says the front dampers 742024SP are not for my car (but had no issue with the rear damper...). Monroe part catalogue won't disclose what their symbols mean... I am left guessing.
First row: ND = Normal Duty?
2nd row: SP = SPort?
3rd row: HD = Heavy Duty?

My A2 has 1GA option code which means standard suspension.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[carlston]

As you can see from the below three front springs, they appear to be virtually identical. From the photos that I've seen, they all appear to have about 5.5 coil turns. As the weights are all virtually identical, I suspect that the claimed 11.15mm wire thickness, is actually 11.25mm. If you were to purchase all three springs, you might find that they don't all exactly match their claimed specifications. For the 1.4TDI (with or without OSS), I would go with the 6Q0411105AC.

8Z0411105AH (Sachs 997853, TRW JCS880)

• Length [mm]:342
• Thickness [mm]:11,15
• Diameter [mm]:139
• Weight [kg]:1,546

8Z0411105AM (Sachs 998403, TRW JCS291)

• Length [mm]:342
• Thickness [mm]:11,15
• Diameter [mm]:139
• Weight [kg]:1,55

6Q0411105AC (Sachs 993180, TRW JCS1054)

• Length [mm]:343
• Thickness [mm]:11,25
• Diameter [mm]:137
• Weight [kg]:1,56

 

[bretti_kivi]

Year?
75 or 90?
What paperwork does your inspection require?

My suspicion now is B3 + B4 will be one of the few combinations where you can find approvals. Maybe also some eibach combos.

 

[hdlo]

Year?
75 or 90?
What paperwork does your inspection require?

My suspicion now is B3 + B4 will be one of the few combinations where you can find approvals. Maybe also some eibach combos.

2001, 1.4 TDI 75.
These are parts match OEM spec for the vehicle (for any practical purpose).
I don't see how it could need an approval, and I doubt that TUV papers even follow OEM springs?

 

[bretti_kivi]

that's what I thought and then I found out that no, I have to have the tüv papers. I would check what your inspection needs. OEM would be fine but I would be prepared to prove what they are. For me, they were not interested in the ARBs but they were interested in the springs.

For what it's worth, I do see B3 as a good alternative. Anyone who is checking will probably have a problem with you going down a weight class, as the total axle weight will need to fit with what the springs can handle.