A3 Jetta Suspension and skidplate question

[ClemXP]

My 97 Jetta is about to hit 200k, and I think it's time to upgrade the suspension. The push test has my car bouncing a couple of times before it is stable. I got 2 new ball joints last year (to pass inspection) and now it needs new shocks and struts. I live and drive on a lot of dirt roads, hit the occasional pothole, I'd like to get a system that works well on these kind of roads.

I've read a lot about people reusing their springs, is this typically a good idea, or is it a money saver? I'd rather invest in the car now than later, if that's the case. Would the Shine Real Street Springs be any good on these backroads? The word "Street" has me hesitating.

What other components should I replace, besides mounting hardware? Any thing specific to this kind of rough driving?

Finally, does anybody manufacture a skid plate for the A3? As Ive said, dirt roads, potholes, and I have a heavy foot, so I'd rather not scrape the pan...

Thanks in advance!

 

[jcrews]

Bilstein TC worked out well for me in the A4 and were a decent value. They might jostle you too much on a bumpy road.

Monroe sensatrac has a grooved bore that dampens bumps and other high frequency stuff, but when maneuvered enough, the pistons pass the leaky zone and firm up. I haven't used them but they're supposedly decent.

Koni FSD look real nice but were out of my budget.

You should check the bushings on the control arms and subframe.

Evolutionimport has a mk2/3 engine lower cover. Dieselgeek does not, and I didn't check OE and other sources.

 

[Joe_Meehan]

I can't really answer the questions you have asked, but:

"The push test has my car bouncing a couple of times before it is stable." The bounce test is not a valid test in a modern car. If you are getting a couple of bounces with a bounce test, those shocks/struts are really really bad. You are going to enjoy your new ride. It will also be a safer ride.

 

[jcrews]

Yeah, my car didn't bounce but the shocks/struts had almost no damping and zero rebound. I could push/pull with one end in each and and the strut/shock would stay wherever I put it. The new ones fought hard to stay extended.

 

[cowboyjack]

Recently installed Koni Reds on my A3 at 100,000 miles using the original springs and couldn't be happier.

Installed a skidplate quite awhile ago and based on the severe scratches it has from daily dirt road driving, I imagine I would have destroyed the oilpan long ago without it.

 

[ClemXP]

Thanks cowboy - which skidplate did you get?

any idea how to assess whether your springs need to be replaced or are good for another 100k?