i am ordering a lowering kit from intrax (springs only) and they have two kits one lowers 1.75 inch and other is 2.25 inches. i want the 2.25inch kit but they recomend changing shock/struts what would happen if i did not? also my wheels are 18/8.5 zenetti s with 225/40 tires (45mm offset) will i have any rubbing? thanks 1997 a4 awd 1.8t jay

The stock and stock sport shocks are damped for the spring rates and travel of those springs. Generally the lower the replacement springs, the higher the spring rate since the travel is reduced and it is assumed the vehicle is going racing. The stock shocks arent valved to provide this level of damping and your ride will be like a pogo stick.

Lowering your car that much puts you much closer to the wheel well liners so bumps and dips where your front wheels are also turned while being compressed are likely to rub near the lip of the wheel well. This can also occur with stock wheels and tires, it just gets more likely as the tire profile gets more square and sticks out more.

I would like to improve the handling of my car without lowering much more than the stock sport suspension. Should I just add bigger antisway bars, or are there any spring/shock combos that would be better & keep the ride height similar?