My story with H&R springs and DRC shocks

[Audi-RS6]

I decided to lower my car

Did factory recall on shocks.
Bought set of springs H&Rs Sport setup.

H&R developed their RS6 setup with old shocks, new ones as you know sit higher, tons of claims including two of our cars.

I installed H&R on stock DRC set up. Nice ride but rear looks ugly. Way too high. I could not understand why they had to make it 1.5 drop at a front and 1.0 rear when all prior a6 setups are 1.7/1.5 and 1.9/1.5

So, question was
1. will the 4.2 set up fit.
2. to figure the difference in weight between 4.2 a6 and RS6
3. Should it be Sport or Race setup they have for 4.2

RS6 vs 4.2 door stickers shows same front weight and 60lbs heavier in rear. Possibly because of battery and additional cooler.

So I bought H&R Race setup for A6 4.2 quattro. And got what I wanted. More stable and better looking ride.

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[DHall1]

I only have a issue with one statement below.

The DRC recall does NOT made the rear sit higher than before.

Now, as for your results using the HR springs. It looks good. Can you provide the H/R part numbers, take additional pics of your car on a level surface and provide measurements from the center of each wheel to the fender lip on each corner?

Thanks,


I decided to lower my car

Did factory recall on shocks.
Bought set of springs H&Rs Sport setup.

H&R developed their RS6 setup with old shocks, new ones as you know sit higher, tons of claims including two of our cars.

I installed H&R on stock DRC set up. Nice ride but rear looks ugly. Way too high. I could not understand why they had to make it 1.5 drop at a front and 1.0 rear when all prior a6 setups are 1.7/1.5 and 1.9/1.5

So, question was
1. will the 4.2 set up fit.
2. to figure the difference in weight between 4.2 a6 and RS6
3. Should it be Sport or Race setup they have for 4.2

RS6 vs 4.2 door stickers shows same front weight and 60lbs heavier in rear. Possibly because of battery and additional cooler.

So I bought H&R Race setup for A6 4.2 quattro. And got what I wanted. More stable and better looking ride.

10050100511005210053100541005510056100571005810059

[4everRS]

Audi-RS6 - Great looking setup. The ride height looks good, but my favorite part is the PROGRESSIVE spring idea. I am hoping you can expand on a couple things.

First how would you say the ride is different than stock?

With the progressive spring, is it softer on the light road imprefections but retaining stiffness in the corners and more substantial road bumps? (this is my assumption obviously)

Also, it looks as though you were planning a DIY post with the fingerpointing to the bolts for the top spring cup. I have been very nervous about taking my suspension apart due to the DRC system - it is intimidating me. In order to lower the rear spring and shock assembly, what steps are needed in order to not distrupt the DRC?

[Audi-RS6]

Dhall1 - I will measure setup later this week. As far as parts I used 4.2 A6 quattro Race version of springs. H&R 29797-1 part

4everRS:

Ride is better than stock. Better than Street Setup (it was my prior setup). It is lower, look better and car handles more aggressively. I want to add Hotchkis swaysbars and call it a day. Overall it is much cheaper than coilovers, because our cars are heavy and in order to match DRC you'll need smth really nice, like KW3s.

Difference between DRC and normal shock is that there is a hose that wont let you take the shock home. You will have to keep the shock next to the hub. Basically it limits your working space. Other than that is it normal spring job.

Installation:
Always jackup both sides.
Top spring cups are held by one nut. Better to use impact gun to remove it. and socket with thin walls. Snap-on and similar wont fit in. I used cheap kits they sell in autozone or kragen.

-Front requires removal of 4 bolts (3 on top and 1 that hold the strut). Upper arms stay in spring cup. And of course you need to remove main long bolt holding 2 arms and steering arm.
-Back requires drop of LOWER control arm completely (4 bolts total) and 2 nuts on top.
TIPs: MARK alignment settings, dont forget remove headlight leveler nut on driver side, have spare jack available to lift arms after installation, have craftsman spring compressor (I used it for the front shocks), properly position rubber inserts between cup and spring or you'll experience different ride height, place all washers as they were originally.

[uncfrk]

Did you consider the springs specified for the S6 instead of the A6? They lower the front & rear more evenly.

[skribe]

Did you consider the springs specified for the S6 instead of the A6? They lower the front & rear more evenly.

Anyone elso have any more info/experiences doing this? I'm on the verge, and don't want to do it twice!

[Aronis]

When My DRC died the first time I asked about just installing the normal shocks and springs from the prior year S6! They could not give a clear answer on the fit.

[uncfrk]

Anyone elso have any more info/experiences doing this? I'm on the verge, and don't want to do it twice!

Yes, once is plenty for me too. The problem with using springs from another model, it could cause problems. Each model could be engineered for a different purpose. An example, The same rear H&R springs change the ride height differently from the RS6 & the RS6 Avant.

[hahnmgh63]

The springs & shocks from the S6 would fit the RS6 no problem as the mounting points are the same, as well as the control arms. The only difference would be if the spring rates are what you want. Here in N.A. we only got the S6 Avant so the H&R's here are for the Avante, not the Sedan. You could go with RS6 H&R springs with S6 shocks/struts, but why? If you want a non DRC suspension go with KW V3's or import a set of H&R coilovers.

[Audi-RS6]

S6 setup does not have Race option. and they come in Avant only, so if you'll install them rear will sit higher.
Street setup for RS6 drives nicely but I dont like the rear look, it sits too high. By the way I have them for sale, if someone interested. I had to cut the rear springs one coil for the look. So only front springs are ok.


Did you consider the springs specified for the S6 instead of the A6? They lower the front & rear more evenly.

[Rhino315]

I replace mine just with H & R recommendation for RS6 straight, and I did in 09' the DRC recall shocks replacement. I my opinion, it looks a bit higher in the back, but by the same token, what if you go out with your love one and another couple of friends, Don't you think the weight is going to affect the height?, besides that, I like it the way it ends up. Let me know your opinion. My e-mails are csiace@wi.rr.com and Rhino315RS6@gmail.com Thanks.
Anyone elso have any more info/experiences doing this? I'm on the verge, and don't want to do it twice!

[Audi-RS6]

I had same issue, back looks ugly with H&R recommendations. I thought smth wrong with shock pressure


I replace mine just with H & R recommendation for RS6 straight, and I did in 09' the DRC recall shocks replacement. I my opinion, it looks a bit higher in the back, but by the same token, what if you go out with your love one and another couple of friends, Don't you think the weight is going to affect the height?, besides that, I like it the way it ends up. Let me know your opinion. My e-mails are csiace@wi.rr.com and Rhino315RS6@gmail.com Thanks.

[colton14]

I accidently bought the avant 29798-1 h&r springs. Will these still work will an aggressive drop like yours? Please help. Thanks.

[lswing]

Please put some Koni's on if you still have DRC....now is the perfect time!

[Avus-RS6]

Just ordered H&R 29797-1 to go with my new low mile DRC. Budget setup for sure but should work great. Getting a killer deal on the DRC (thanks Dave!) install and recharge.

Will post some before/after pics.

My current DRC is completely shot, car is unsafe over 80 with any bumps whatsoever.

[DHall1]

Post your results. I must do something with #3 because it sits way too high in the rear.

[Avus-RS6]

Got the DRC and H&R Race springs installed this weekend, thanks Dave for the low mile DRC, it was super clean upon arrival! Thanks Jake for helping all day Sunday. It would have sucked to do that without a lift, and an extra set of hands (and your shop manual for torque specs) and your confidence to tackle the job.

Car is about 1.5 inches lower than before (measured front after dropping from the lift). I'll post up final measurement results front and rear after I get the car back from the dealer for its DRC recharge. So excited to have a non rattling RS6, one that handles as it was meant to once again!

[ben916]

Got the DRC and H&R Race springs installed this weekend, thanks Dave for the low mile DRC, it was super clean upon arrival! Thanks Jake for helping all day Sunday. It would have sucked to do that without a lift, and an extra set of hands (and your shop manual for torque specs) and your confidence to tackle the job.

Car is about 1.5 inches lower than before (measured front after dropping from the lift). I'll post up final measurement results front and rear after I get the car back from the dealer for its DRC recharge. So excited to have a non rattling RS6, one that handles as it was meant to once again!


Damn! I needed schooling on this one!!! Please PM or email or contact next time...

[Brazil]

No problem, Jason. Glad we got it tackled in one afternoon. Let me know what it's like after the recharge.

[Avus-RS6]

Do not do this mod! H&R Race springs from an A6 4.2 are too low when mounted in DRC shocks! DRC line interferes with axle in front and Hotchkis rear sway bar hits the rear axle. I clearly would have not done this mod if this had been reported by the one who started this thread. I guess I'm going back to stock springs. Lesson learned the hard way.

[ben916]

Do not do this mod! H&R Race springs from an A6 4.2 are too low when mounted in DRC shocks! DRC line interferes with axle in front and Hotchkis rear sway bar hits the rear axle. I clearly would have not done this mod if this had been reported by the one who started this thread. I guess I'm going back to stock springs. Lesson learned the hard way.

That sucks!

[Kgnast]

Do not do this mod! H&R Race springs from an A6 4.2 are too low when mounted in DRC shocks! DRC line interferes with axle in front and Hotchkis rear sway bar hits the rear axle. I clearly would have not done this mod if this had been reported by the one who started this thread. I guess I'm going back to stock springs. Lesson learned the hard way.

OUCH. I am sorry to hear that was the end result for you. I just purchased the 29298-1 H&R Street Springs. This car will be running BBS LM's and I don't need to be that low. I ran the A6 4.2 street springs on my 4.2 and that was a significant drop requiring grooved Bilsteins with the spring perches set to bring the car back up. The tires completely tucked into the fenders. Even caused fender lip damage although, I ofcourse, had them rolled and even pulled in the front. Anyway, a bit of drop will be great. I hope the H&R RS6 specific kit works out just fine. I don't mind a gap in the rear, but I do mind the almost 2" gap that is currently there.

I will post pics when I get the springs installed and the BBS LM's mounted up. These are 20"s, so I really do think the RS6 kit is going to be just fine. Not mention, the H&R A6 4.2 springs settled over time, a lot, requiring continual upwards adjustments in the front by moving the spring perch into the higher grooves on the shock body.

[Avus-RS6]

Not blaming Audi-RS6 here, in fact his probably worked because of the higher than stock DRC pressure that likely resulted from just putting in lower springs without cracking the DRC system. I guess that H&R knows what they're doing by not making lower springs for the RS6 than their sport RS6 units. 6 hours of work ahead of me, again. At least I know what I'm in for this time.

[ben916]

Not blaming Audi-RS6 here, in fact his probably worked because of the higher than stock DRC pressure that likely resulted from just putting in lower springs without cracking the DRC system. I guess that H&R knows what they're doing by not making lower springs for the RS6 than their sport RS6 units. 6 hours of work ahead of me, again. At least I know what I'm in for this time.

I would like to be there when this happens so I can get the 411 on what to expect.
PM me your contact info, please

[Avus-RS6]

Problem is the car looks perfect now, rides great until DRC line hits the axle front. I'm going to see if I can tweak the lines for clearance somehow.

1.375 inches lower than stock in front, 1.25 inches lower than stock in rear. I can't believe this is too low for the components to handle, it does look perfect to me. Will report back after I dig into it some more to try to resolve the clearance issues.

Ben, you can email me any time, I'm on QW forum.

Jason

[Elevens]

No Disrespect to anyone, but Coilovers are the only way to go. A perfectly matched Spring-Shock combo designed for your car and infinitely adjustable ride height. I have tried to pass this along, but some try other ways which may or may not work. I always go with what's tried and proven. Some even attempt to keep the DRC system with different Springs. The DRC will fail!! Read the Forums, why bother? Some try different Spring shock combinations, why bother? Coilovers take any guesswork out of the equation. And having an Infinitely adjustable ride height is a big plus. You can always use initial cost as an excuse to take another route, but in most cases you will wind up spending more in the long run. The first thing I did with my car was to install Coilovers, the DRC was fine but I was not about to wait for it to fail. One less future headache. By applying Tried and proven results from this Forum and the UK Forums, I couldn't be any happier with the results. A perfectly handling and Extremely Fast car. Just my 1 cent............................

[DHall1]

Jason,

Sorry to hear the news. I wanted to clear up some things about what audi-rs6 said in the past.

The red quoted item below is 100% incorrect. IMHO

The primary reason for high riding 4x4 RS6s after the suspension recall is plain and simple. The dealer tech cuts corners and torques the control arm bolts with the suspension unloaded. This happens more on the rear than front due to the nature of the job to replace the struts. You see, the rear control arms need to be removed to replace the rear struts and due to the tight fit the tech just torques the control arms with the suspension unloaded causing the rear to sit 1/2 to 3/4 inch too high.

If you torque rear inner control arm busings with the suspension unloaded beware of the super rake 4x4 RS6. No matter what springs you choose.

My RS6 #1...a low mile car with the DRC recall sit just fine after the recall. 13 7/8 front and 14 1/8 rear. Now KW V3 what took so long.

My RS6 #2 sit just fine after the recall same as the above. Now Kyle RS6 #2.

My RS6 #3...a low mile bone stock car sit just like a 4x4 RS6 after the recall. I checked the front control arms which were fine then loosened the rears and loaded the rear suspension before retorque. The end result?? 13 7/8 front and 14 1/8 rear.

A stock RS6 will have a slight rake due to the nature of the body panels but just say no to the SUPER RAKE RS6 4X4 and set the rear control arms properly. Plain and simple.




I decided to lower my car

Did factory recall on shocks.
Bought set of springs H&Rs Sport setup.

H&R developed their RS6 setup with old shocks, new ones as you know sit higher, tons of claims including two of our cars.

I installed H&R on stock DRC set up. Nice ride but rear looks ugly. Way too high. I could not understand why they had to make it 1.5 drop at a front and 1.0 rear when all prior a6 setups are 1.7/1.5 and 1.9/1.5

So, question was
1. will the 4.2 set up fit.
2. to figure the difference in weight between 4.2 a6 and RS6
3. Should it be Sport or Race setup they have for 4.2

RS6 vs 4.2 door stickers shows same front weight and 60lbs heavier in rear. Possibly because of battery and additional cooler.

So I bought H&R Race setup for A6 4.2 quattro. And got what I wanted. More stable and better looking ride.

10050100511005210053100541005510056100571005810059

[DHall1]

I would agree with everything Elevens has to say about coilovers. After changing out the DRC in my RS6 after 5 years of ownership I wondered what took so long. But

Some DRCs seem to do just fine. My DRC recall was perfect and the car drove great for the last couple of years but finally I just gave in to the coilover hype. Wow is all I have to say.

Now with RS6 #3 I have another low mileage so cal DRC in perfect working order that is now sitting at exact stock height. I plan to leave it until there is a shock failure and replace with the H&R coilover setup just like Elevens.

If you want lower go coilovers. H&R or KWs and ditch the DRC

If you want stock get yer control arms retorqued and shoot for stock ride height.

IMHO


No Disrespect to anyone, but Coilovers are the only way to go. A perfectly matched Spring-Shock combo designed for your car and infinitely adjustable ride height. I have tried to pass this along, but some try other ways which may or may not work. I always go with what's tried and proven. Some even attempt to keep the DRC system with different Springs. The DRC will fail!! Read the Forums, why bother? Some try different Spring shock combinations, why bother? Coilovers take any guesswork out of the equation. And having an Infinitely adjustable ride height is a big plus. You can always use initial cost as an excuse to take another route, but in most cases you will wind up spending more in the long run. The first thing I did with my car was to install Coilovers, the DRC was fine but I was not about to wait for it to fail. One less future headache. By applying Tried and proven results from this Forum and the UK Forums, I couldn't be any happier with the results. A perfectly handling and Extremely Fast car. Just my 1 cent............................

[Avus-RS6]

It's been a learning experience, that is for sure! I have three twin turbo Audi's myself, the RS6 being the one with the most issues due to the manual conversion, prior abuse and lack of recent maintenance. I know coilovers are where the car will end up eventually, heck, that's what my other two cars have! Until then, I'll be rocking the DRC in order to have money for necessities like a new clutch, rebuilt turbos, etc...

[ttboost]

Are you going through a clutch already? Are you stock? I don't recall? Did you chassis dyno?

[Avus-RS6]

The clutch is not up to task for a proper stage 1 tune. It's not worn out, just not holding the power. Any more than 450ft lbs of torque at the wheels spins it up. Can't wait for that so we can turn the wick up!

[ttboost]

The clutch is not up to task for a proper stage 1 tune. It's not worn out, just not holding the power. Any more than 450ft lbs of torque at the wheels spins it up. Can't wait for that so we can turn the wick up!

Which clutch? South Bend? I went with the Spec Stage 3 plus, pretty sure I'm making way more 450/450 and holding fine. I guess that's good to know for the manual converters out there. Your clutch is probably good for a stock car, but anything other than that, no good?

[Avus-RS6]

Yes, South Bend stage 3.

[Avus-RS6]

Apparently it is more difficult to try to keep power down on these cars when doing a proper tune that lets the turbos spin more freely. Props to Jason at AMD for developing a "shitty clutch" tune that works with what I have. 450awtq at the wheels is well over stock levels but nowhere near what it could be.

[ttboost]

Yep...it's a twin turbo V8...The only reason they can't make any more power then they do, is because of the tiny turbine housings they have. Mine only made 317awhp/370awtq, stock on a Mustang dyno. Probably a lot of other issues going on at the time, like a bad TC, etc.. but still..not very impressive for a TT V8...Much better now that we have released some driveline loss, I have some 'test pipes' installed too. I've already picked up 60whp and haven't even finished tuning yet.

[Brazil]

Elevens: I think you're forgetting about the elegant solution of the DRC system itself. As an engineer, I appreciate the idea and the execution. A well-functioning DRC will outperform coilovers for street driving. It is compliant while still keeping the car reasonably level during dynamic events. To get the same anti-dive/squat/lean on a coil system, you have to increase the spring rate to the point where the car is no longer comfortable. Now, I have an Esprit that basically sits on the ground and an S4 that keeps chiropractors in business, but the RS6 is a different beast. For this, I think the DRC is a great solution if you can keep it working correctly. Jason spent 1/5th of what good coilovers would cost, so that's another consideration.

DHall1: We didn't remove the rear control arms, we slightly dropped the subframe. This is by far an easier way to get it done. I would be surprised if the dealer techs are even doing the work by removing the caliper and control arms--no matter what the procedure says. Also, the lower strut mounting point on Jason's car was left untorqued until the car was on the ground, but I don't think that's your point here.

[Kgnast]

I would agree with everything Elevens has to say about coilovers. After changing out the DRC in my RS6 after 5 years of ownership I wondered what took so long. But

Some DRCs seem to do just fine. My DRC recall was perfect and the car drove great for the last couple of years but finally I just gave in to the coilover hype. Wow is all I have to say.

Now with RS6 #3 I have another low mileage so cal DRC in perfect working order that is now sitting at exact stock height. I plan to leave it until there is a shock failure and replace with the H&R coilover setup just like Elevens.

If you want lower go coilovers. H&R or KWs and ditch the DRC

If you want stock get yer control arms retorqued and shoot for stock ride height.

IMHO


I'm a big fan of H&R and I WILL eventually go the H&R coilover kit for this car. Just not now. Priorities..... ya know? I just want it dropped, picked up the springs for a joke of a price through my wholesale AllSprings account. EC tune, MTM trans upgrade, ACE T/C, are the next suckers on the list. I can purchase all three of those (not incl install) for the same price as the coilovers. We all make our choices. I know the DRC is going to crap itself, could be anyday.

[Brazil]

If you inspect the struts regularly, you can see the leaking long before the DRC actually "fails" to the point where you need to purchase coilovers... you have plenty of time to prepare.

[Elevens]

Elevens: I think you're forgetting about the elegant solution of the DRC system itself. As an engineer, I appreciate the idea and the execution. A well-functioning DRC will outperform coilovers for street driving. It is compliant while still keeping the car reasonably level during dynamic events. To get the same anti-dive/squat/lean on a coil system, you have to increase the spring rate to the point where the car is no longer comfortable. Now, I have an Esprit that basically sits on the ground and an S4 that keeps chiropractors in business, but the RS6 is a different beast. For this, I think the DRC is a great solution if you can keep it working correctly. Jason spent 1/5th of what good coilovers would cost, so that's another consideration.

All Valid points Brazil but I am not replacing the DRC because of inferior handling, but because of its almost 100% failure rate and horrible ride height. As for Ride comfort the H&R Coilover's on my car almost as good as the DRC with the exception of being a little more bouncier due to the shortened ride height (Can't have your Cake and eat it too). And yes he did spend less than what a Coilover system cost's, but the results speak for themselves and I am sure he will spend for a System later on anyway. Once again I am only looking out for all the members of our Forum so we can all enjoy Tried and Proven Results and not waste hard earned money......

[Brazil]

Well, the bounce and stiffness and ride height are part of the problems with a street car. None are really acceptable in the true sense. With aftermarket wheels, it might be a different story regarding ride height, and I like my cars low, but my RS6 wheels are perfectly concentric with the wheels arches on stock suspension.

I bounce enough in my Esprit and S4 that I don't need that in the RS. I'm not trying to make the car something it's not, if that makes sense. It's a large sedan with an automatic transmission. There's something to be said for being able to go into a driveway.

Anyway, to your point about saving hard earned money... Jason could replace the DRC something like 8 times before he gets into the cost of KWv3's. How is spending $3k going to save him money? Even if the new install lasts 20k miles, that gives him 160k miles of DRC goodness before he's to the price of coilovers.

Here's my car, stock. The ride height is ok, not optimal, but definitely not that high.
13680

[Elevens]

To each his own, I guess. But I cannot be seen in anything higher than this, its just seems to intimidate everyone and I love it..............................


http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz237/vintron/Coilover%20Install/P1010226.jpg

[6172crew]

Can anyone fire off the torque values on the rear control arms? I have access to the Bentley DVD, but Ill be damned if i can get it to work...even though Ive licensed it. I think its a windows 10 issue.

Anyhow, I have a hybrid 4X4 deal going on over here and was going to climb underneath tonight and re-torque the system and see if it relaxes the stink bug effect on this one.

Im waiting on a tool to finish up the timing belt job and trying to do some other things in the meantime.

[shadyraven]

Can anyone fire off the torque values on the rear control arms? I have access to the Bentley DVD, but Ill be damned if i can get it to work...even though Ive licensed it. I think its a windows 10 issue.

Anyhow, I have a hybrid 4X4 deal going on over here and was going to climb underneath tonight and re-torque the system and see if it relaxes the stink bug effect on this one.

Im waiting on a tool to finish up the timing belt job and trying to do some other things in the meantime.

I've just read this thread start to finish. Curious if you managed to drop the rear ride height by re-torquing the the control arms?