Suspension help. Komo yellows vs Bilstein B8’s

[VeeDubbinJetta]

Edit: stupid autocorrect changed Koni to komo

Hey all,
I searched though many pages but couldn’t really find what I was looking for. I have been pretty dead set on getting the Bilstein B12 kit but being on never ending backorder I think it’s time to start looking into other options. My factory shocks look to be leaking in the rear and I get a squeak from them as well, so why not upgrade right?

I think I want to just stick to a shock and spring combo versus going coils. I don’t need or care about a slammed look, but wouldn’t mind a little more performance out of the suspension. How do the Koni yellows (sport) compare to the Bilstein B8 shocks? I’d like to retain close to factory ride quality. Spring choice I was thinking H&R OE sports or the 034 Dynamic + springs. Would either of these mate well with the Konis and give a good ride quality with some improvement in handling, or should I wait out the Bilstein back order?

Thanks [emoji1303]

[oldzmann]

Bilstein is supposed to start clearing the back log next week, but I am not sure that is confirmed. If you don't lower the car to much, i.e. sticking with the stock or OE spring kits, you should use the Bilstein B6 (HD) shocks/struts. If you go lower (sport springs) you'll want the B8 shocks/struts.

[TheNiloJunior]

I do hope Bilstein is on the verge of clearing backorders soon as oldzmann mentioned. I've been on the Bilstein B12 Backorder since February 2018, got an update email in the summer anticipating late October and after an inquiry I placed got another estimate of late November. At this point I'm not banking on getting them this year and am also thinking of Koni Yellows with H&R OE Sports as an alternative. It looks like the OE springs are very similar in height to the Eibach Pro on the B12, perhaps a tiny bit lower and provide a more even stance compared to the slight front rake of the Eibachs (either way not an issue to me). The Koni's provide adjustable dampers which you can set before install which could be a benefit.

In the same camp as you regarding traditional spring/shock combo as I'm switching from my Vogtland coilovers. I have not benefited much from the height adjustability as the rears can't be lifted enough to provide even a finger gap without the collars coming partially off the thread. For my tolerance at least, I get a crushing ride and a persistent clunking noise that started from the front (immediately after install) and spread to the back. I've since replaced CAs, sway bar links, strut mounts, have taken to two shops who've verified installation and can't figure it out. So I'm all for going with a traditional suspension - I probably just ended up with a defective set and do understand there are benefits and trouble-free coilover installations for many drivers out there but in my particular situation I'm just throwing in the towel and chalking it up as not for me. Good luck with your choice, it seems from other threads the Konis and OEs pair up well.

[oldzmann]

ohhh, I had not heard about another delay to November. Last I heard they were supposed to be back in production starting 10/25 and shipping shortly after.
I went with Eibach OE springs for a minimal drop but stayed with the stock dampers. I have a set of B6 (HD) Bilstein's in hand now and am planning on getting them installed shortly.