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

[m3f_Jvanmater_0ce9a41d55]

As far as ovaling out the upper shock mounting bracket - I've seen that happen, once, and it was due to the factory washers not being installed. The Shoulder bolt bottoms out on itself and *almost* clamps on the shock, but doesn't. So you hit the torque spec, everything seems tight, then you go drive the car and ruin the shock body. Lesson learned, don't leave out parts that are required during assembly.





I had this same issue with the factory washers installed. But, I doubled up and used washers on both sides and (according to Terry) this lead to my problems. The failure in this was most likely my fault. Upon reassembly after sending out to vorshlag and paying to fix them I only put the washer on the bolt side and will torque them harder than I ever have before.



Otherwise I have had no problems but am aware of the numerous other situations that have occured. Regarding the swaybar collars I always torque them down pretty hard as 6 ft lbs is not enough and I value my wheel/tire more than the "idea" that over torquing the single allen sway bar clamp will constrict internal flow and hurt performance.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6541584199_0454a2bc2a_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6541584239_e9f620c23a.jpg

[m3f_stuntman]

Im VERY happy with my double adjustable KW Variant 3 in my daily driven and occasionally tracked E36 M3. Great ride quality and good tuneability for track use. If i was more serious about tracking the car i would put some TMS swaybars on for a little more roll resistance.


0.02

[m3f_OahuMPower_17503f01cd]

I had this same issue with the factory washers installed. But, I doubled up and used washers on both sides and (according to Terry) this lead to my problems. The failure in this was most likely my fault. Upon reassembly after sending out to vorshlag and paying to fix them I only put the washer on the bolt side and will torque them harder than I ever have before.



Joe, you obviously didnt install them correctly according to Andrew, and thus caused your own issue...



arrot: :screwy:

[m3f_camdinans3_bfa1f49a41]

Joe, you obviously didnt install them correctly according to Andrew, and thus caused your own issue...


arrot: :screwy:


enough calvin. Drop it. seriously.


I looked at my sway bar collar and knuckle mounting bracket the other night. guess what. they are both FINE. no enlarging hole, no collar twisting, no ruined wheels.


If you indeed believe what you said about different people having different experiences, then don't proclaim to the entire internet that they are awful because of a small percentage of failures that you have heard about. you can speak about those but not say they are crap and they break. Do i wish i could upgrade to moton or jrz or something to have something "better" sure, but do i need to, absolutely not.


Explain to me why my swaybar collar has not rotated and scraped on my rim when i'm running the same ride height as you guys. going to the track and going to autox and driving on the street, running the same size wheels and tires. why hasn't terry fair had these same issues, why haven't tons of other people? there are entirely TOO many variables, its just like that royal purple differential or the uuc evo 3 ssk discussion, it is NOT conclusive. I haven't had any problem with my evo 3 ssk or my ltw flywheel from them and yet others have. its strange. :clueless: I'm not going to rip out a perfectly good working part just because i heard something on the internet that would be idiotic.


AST changed the design because enough people complained, good for them. until i have an issue i'll be happy with what I have because they have served me well. That is ALL I know conclusively. The best I can do is look at the data, look at the examples I have personally seen and of the ones I have seen (mine and others at MY autox/track days) no one has had an issue. So there is some variable we are all missing.


basically, sucks you guys are having an issue. sorry? :clueless:

I've had mine since feb of 2009 and have been happy with them ever since.

[m3f_m3onrails_bcd33183c9]

So, more members than not have had the same repeated issues, but because you haven't, they're the ones that have all done something wrong? It would seem as though you're the minority, and since it's been stated that you barely put any miles on your car, that would definitely explain it. The fact is there was a problem - AST admitted it, AST attempted to make updates to fix them, AST even made a brand new shock because of it... All other members are trying to do is inform the OP about the pros and cons of these; just because you haven't had issues (yet) doesn't mean they don't exist. Swallow your pride and drop it...

[m3f_camdinans3_bfa1f49a41]

So, more members than not have had the same repeated issues, but because you haven't, they're the ones that have all done something wrong? It would seem as though you're the minority, and since it's been stated that you barely put any miles on your car, that would definitely explain it. The fact is there was a problem - AST admitted it, AST attempted to make updates to fix them, AST even made a brand new shock because of it... All other members are trying to do is inform the OP about the pros and cons of these; just because you haven't had issues (yet) doesn't mean they don't exist. Swallow your pride and drop it...


and BTW....i know this is bobby. i'm not retarded.


where exactly can you definitively say more members than not. Because you read a few things on m3forum you are going to extrapolate that to ALL of the sets of 4100's sold? that is absolutely ridiculous.


barely put any miles on the car? i just said i bought them in feb of 2009, have driven half way across the country on them etc? not sure where you're getting that.


and stop feeling so important. AST made a new shock because they felt like it because they were evolving with the market and making something better, not because E36 M3 owners told them too. We are a small population and do you think they REALLY care? they make shocks for so many different applications that a few e36 m3 owners complaining isn't really going to make a difference. Vorshlag realized there was an issue and has been repairing them etc but AST i doubt did much of anything except work on a new shock because they had new tech to show.


and SIR......perhaps you are not good at reading but i have said SEVERAL times that i understand other people are having issues. I can read and i can see that they are having problems. never did i discount their issues nor said they were lying.


this isn't even worth it. :facepalm: I figured the OP should know that SOMEONE hasn't had a problem. I thought that my opinion was warranted. But if i get attacked because i say that it doesn't add up that i havent had any problems as well as people i see in person just because a few vocal members have had an experience doesn't mean they are all bad. Just saying.

[m3f_m3onrails_bcd33183c9]

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


barely put any miles on the car? i just said i bought them in feb of 2009, have driven half way across the country on them etc? not sure where you're getting that.


:shifty:


I thought that my opinion was warranted.


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.


THIS is an opinion...


Bobby has these and he beats on his car and as I recall he hasn't had any problems and likes them.


This is a completely false statement.


I can see you saying the same thing about jrz the first time you have an issue and after a while it leads me to believe its something wrong with the driver/installer.


Because all of the things you have had an issue with, I have had the same parts without any problems. Not really sure what to think about that. No offense.


This is a personal attack.


I literally do not see how you were ruining rims. I've seen you mention that to terry and he told you to rotate the collar. Mine have never rotated or ruined any wheels. Nor have the other sets I have seen in person. Terry also told you that you installed them incorrectly. Everyone makes mistakes.


And honestly Roland, grow up. Literally no one asked you, you're not needed in this discussion. Not sure why you think you need to be involved. Does Calvin need backup? Probably not.


Another personal attack, and you continuing to hint that everyone installed theirs wrong rather there being an actual problem with the shock.


Explain to me why my swaybar collar has not rotated and scraped on my rim when i'm running the same ride height as you guys. going to the track and going to autox and driving on the street, running the same size wheels and tires. why hasn't terry fair had these same issues, why haven't tons of other people?


AST changed the design because enough people complained, good for them. until i have an issue i'll be happy with what I have because they have served me well. That is ALL I know conclusively. The best I can do is look at the data, look at the examples I have personally seen and of the ones I have seen (mine and others at MY autox/track days) no one has had an issue. So there is some variable we are all missing.


basically, sucks you guys are having an issue. sorry? :clueless:

I've had mine since feb of 2009 and have been happy with them ever since.


Same thing. You can state your opinion that you haven't had any problems with yours, no one is 'attacking' you for that. But when you start making false claims, personal attacks, and made up BS about how other peoples problems were due to installation errors, you're misleading the OP and spreading wrongful information. Ignorance is bliss. I just hope if/when your sway bar tab jams into the front tire and locks it up on the track that you don't endanger your instructor or any one else around you.

[m3f_Shock(/\)a_09ddd0b861]

I'm just going to come right out and state this: the best setup for the street and occasional track use is a fresh stock setup.



It may sound boring, but it's an opinion (often secretly) shared by many others.

[m3f_camdinans3_bfa1f49a41]

Bobby i really could care less about your opinion. those were not personal attacks, but the OP DOES deserve to hear that not everyone has problems. Plain and simple.


truth is i don't know why you guys are having such issues. its beyond me. Like i said, i ALSO have friends that i see at autox and track that i have brought these issues up to and none of them have had the same experiences. I have looked at their sway bar collar and knuckle attachment points and there was nothing wrong. All i'm trying to say. :clueless: its what i've seen in person and it completely contradicts what you guys have been saying. I have garnered my own opinion on data i've collected. It's not like you guys are so hardcore that you're special. So i dont really see why you're having problems.


you guys haven't been exactly best of friends with me nor have been helpful as of late so i'll take my own opinion on what i've seen. I'm smart enough to figure out things by myself. So if it fails, it fails so be it. All you're doing is reading what you want to read and not seeing the point.


Once the DTM crew gets on a vendetta against something, its the entire internet's business to know that you guys don't like something. It's always been that way and it will always be that way. and guess what its based on YOUR opinion, and your guys opinions is not FACT as much as you would like it to believe. No problems for me, problems for you. simple as that, sorry you're on the crappy end of it.


I am done with this discussion. Carry on. I apologize OP.

[m3f_m3onrails_bcd33183c9]

Bobby i really could care less about your opinion. those were not personal attacks, but the OP DOES deserve to hear that not everyone has problems. Plain and simple.



truth is i don't know why you guys are having such issues. its beyond me. Like i said, i ALSO have friends that i see at autox and track that i have brought these issues up to and none of them have had the same experiences. I have looked at their sway bar collar and knuckle attachment points and there was nothing wrong. All i'm trying to say. :clueless: its what i've seen in person and it completely contradicts what you guys have been saying. I have garnered my own opinion on data i've collected. It's not like you guys are so hardcore that you're special. So i dont really see why you're having problems.



you guys haven't been exactly best of friends with me nor have been helpful as of late so i'll take my own opinion on what i've seen. I'm smart enough to figure out things by myself. So if it fails, it fails so be it. All you're doing is reading what you want to read and not seeing the point.



Once the DTM crew gets on a vendetta against something, its the entire internet's business to know that you guys don't like something. It's always been that way and it will always be that way. and guess what its based on YOUR opinion, and your guys opinions is not FACT as much as you would like it to believe. No problems for me, problems for you. simple as that, sorry you're on the crappy end of it.



I am done with this discussion. Carry on. I apologize OP.



Well, since you've collected your own data... how many track days did you attend last year? Just how many track friends do you have that run AST's? You actually had them pull their wheels off for you so you could inspect their suspension? Jeez, I've never cared enough to do that... And what vendetta? who said I hate my ASTs? They're still on my car, and I even admitted in this thread that despite the problems I've had, I still think they're a great product and still want to love them. Only person that has a vendetta here is you, and I have a feeling it has nothing to do with AST's...

[m3f_tbaker474_bc666181ea]

I feel like I've been transported back in time to about 2 years ago, what with all the lively banter in this thread. Good times.

[m3f_Blanchimont]

I'm just going to come right out and state this: the best setup for the street and occasional track use is a fresh stock setup.


It may sound boring, but it's an opinion (often secretly) shared by many others.


This man speaks the truth and I support this without a doubt! :thumbsup2:


Paul for president!! how are you sir? and how is the E30 M3?

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

I feel like I've been transported back in time to about 2 years ago, what with all the lively banter in this thread. Good times.



Not even really sure what's being argued here. We know there are issues with AST products, they know there are issues (hence the updates and revised models)... what more is there to discuss?

[m3f_Shock(/\)a_09ddd0b861]

Paul for president!!



I might have certain issues with my birth certificate that would preclude that possibility, but were I ever elected to the position I would by fiat if necessary return your country to a proper constitutional republic, eliminating the vast majority of the federal government (and putting hundreds of thousands of useless bureaucrats out of work). I would never get elected with that platform.



how are you sir? and how is the E30 M3?



I'm in the process of starting a new business with my prettier half, and to be honest I've barely driven the E30 M3 since I bought it. That'll finally change in the spring, though! How've you been keeping? :clueless:

[m3f_Braymond14_63960d99c1]

I might have certain issues with my birth certificate that would preclude that possibility, but were I ever elected to the position I would by fiat if necessary return your country to a proper constitutional republic, eliminating the vast majority of the federal government (and putting hundreds of thousands of useless bureaucrats out of work). I would never get elected with that platform.





Provided that doesn't also include turning the saved money into welfare money... :thumbsup2: