AST Shocks - does anyone have first hand experience with these?

[m3f_jaeger0416_140c8c49b4]

Jeez..none of this was mentioned back when I bought my 4100s. 20k street miles without any serious problems, but they're damn harsh. GTS package, which Vorshlag termed a "mixed-use DD/autoX" package

[m3f_runindawg_1a0cd3f9e9]

IMO from what you describe, I think the AST's would be overkill. They are more of a track oriented part, although many daily drive them.



Spring rates are more important than adjustable shocks(since you can adjust them) if you want to keep your wife happy.



TCK SA's with 350/400 is a very sweet street set up.



If you want to go further, then



TCK DA's with either 350/400 or 450/500(depending on road conditions in your area and how picky your wife is). The 450/500 has the edge on the track while the 350/400 has the edge for a purely street car(but both can work street and track).



Yes, if you have the funds, go ahead and get good plates. Run them "out" on the street(for tire wear and you are mostly going straight on the street) and "in" on the track(better cornering but you won't need this for street driving).

[m3f_gripenM_b239ae26d4]

My AST Sportline II that sat shelved for 7+ years have been great for the past 2 years. My only complaint is that there is limited travel on the rear shocks so it's always hitting the stops. Not exactly comfortable.



No issues with any end links, but mine use the threaded collar and lock nuts top/bottom.



not sure how your's is set up and if there's a significant difference between the sportline II and the 4100,

but my rear shocks never hits the stops.

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

not sure how your's is set up and if there's a significant difference between the sportline II and the 4100,

but my rear shocks never hits the stops.


They are different rear shocks, yes. I was just noting the difference, not seeking a remedy (shorter shocks is the answer). I know yours don't hit the stops.

[m3f_camdinans3_bfa1f49a41]

I have ast 4100. Ive had them a couple years. I use them on the street, track as autox. I have the 550/650 spring rate package. They have been awesome for me, no issues at all.

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

I have ast 4100. Ive had them a couple years. I use them on the street, track as autox. I have the 550/650 spring rate package. They have been awesome for me, no issues at all.



how many miles have you put on them Andrew? I know you havent had any issues, but I also know you really dont put a ton of miles on the car.

[m3f_Bimmerman3_4f9a469965]

I have both AST4100 on my Subaru and TCK DA (600/650) on my M3. For a primarily street car, go with the TCK SA, 350/400 spring rates. Can't beat that setup for price/performance/comfort.


ASTs are good but are total overkill for street use. Granted, they do have a good sale going on now....

[m3f_RickO1_5a1540e0eb]

Rick

I just checked, I've got 350/400lb springs.



Pete,

Thanks for checking. From what I'm reading, the 350/400 setup seems to be pretty popular for a primarily street driven car, which mine is/would be. Appreciate your time and input.

Rick

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

350/400 would be the spring setup for a primarily street driven car for me.


No question in my opinion that it's the "best" setup. If you are auto-x/tracking the car, that is completely different, and rates would change from there depending on the sacrifice u want to make

[m3f_Roland H_da3d16ded4]

I'll echo the 350/400 being an amazing setup.

[m3f_RickO1_5a1540e0eb]

but i should also forewarn that,



the AST shocks are shortened shocks

properly installed, the car will sit much lower than what you might be used to

if you install them at higher than the proper height, the shocks will not work correctly



Do you know what ride height they recommend for optimum performance? I would hope about 12.5f/12r would be pretty close.



Jeez..none of this was mentioned back when I bought my 4100s. 20k street miles without any serious problems, but they're damn harsh. GTS package, which Vorshlag termed a "mixed-use DD/autoX" package



From the Vorshlag website the GTS package is the 550/650 spring rates, I would be going with 450/550 rates. Your harsh comments does concern me, though the 4150's are supposed to be more comfortable. Do you run yours at the softest setting when you're driving on the street.



I have ast 4100. Ive had them a couple years. I use them on the street, track as autox. I have the 550/650 spring rate package. They have been awesome for me, no issues at all.



Thanks. There certainly seems to be plenty of people that are happy with the AST's.

[m3f_camdinans3_bfa1f49a41]

how many miles have you put on them Andrew? I know you havent had any issues, but I also know you really dont put a ton of miles on the car.



Probably 10k, maybe a little less. I haven't looked at my binder in a while to check when I put them on.

[m3f_dpspeed]

I've been lusting over the 4150s. I too am mostly a street driver and I understand that the digressive piston drastically changes the valving characteristics and gives someone the ability to run a truely 'soft' setup for the street and near Grand AM spec valving when stiffening the dampers.



Anyway, I have several friends that run ASTs and really like them, from what they said, there were some issues with E46s, but that has been rectified with the 4150s...



All things considered, I can't see spending $500 less for a damper package that isn't upgradeable to two way dampers. I plan to daily drive my E36 for 4-5 more years, upgrading bushings, engine, etc as I go and then strip the car and transform it into a race car To me, it's less money you have to re-spend.



I've call AST before and talked to Brian. He seems to know his stuff and I'm sure they've gotten a lot of R&D from working with Grand AM.

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

I admit the new 4150 SHOULD be a much better shock than the current 4100 series, but I've heard all this stuff before when I bought my 4200s. When I had issues with the shocks, it was always ssomething, and never was it their fault, always something that I did. ($$$$)


After being rebuilt, it was time to move on and get something better.


This experience has put a sour taste in my mouth, and I'm not the only person. I could list more than 10 different people who have had issues with their shocks in one way or another, and some have sold/bought new stuff, or continue to use them because they dont have any other choice.


To me, its not worth the risk to try something AGAIN from AST. I will admit that some people have had zero issues, and enjoy the shocks, but there is still something to be said about the other issues.

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

I admit the new 4150 SHOULD be a much better shock than the current 4100 series, but I've heard all this stuff before when I bought my 4200s. When I had issues with the shocks, it was always ssomething, and never was it their fault, always something that I did. ($$$$)


After being rebuilt, it was time to move on and get something better.


This experience has put a sour taste in my mouth, and I'm not the only person. I could list more than 10 different people who have had issues with their shocks in one way or another, and some have sold/bought new stuff, or continue to use them because they dont have any other choice.


To me, its not worth the risk to try something AGAIN from AST. I will admit that some people have had zero issues, and enjoy the shocks, but there is still something to be said about the other issues.


Not sure why they went backwards with the design on yours. The Sportline II (which are old as sh1t) are great. I think the upgrades you got were just parts from the older design (hah).


I wouldn't get AST again simply because they are extremely harsh (mine are at least). Even on full soft they are truly a performer for track use. I haven't read of any revisions that give a comfort balance. I absolutely LOVE my PSS9s on my 02 w/linear springs. I really want to go the same on the 96. I'm getting older though... I don't like loud exhausts anymore either.