Strut assembly Bilstein or GABRIEL

I have the gabriel struts from auto zone and they're a bit stuff at first but I'm a year in and they've worn in great.

But, the ride on these Bilstein B4's is pretty reasonable on the street. They are a bit stiff but not harsh. The rear is little stiffer than the front, almost too stiff.

After a quick survey of the struts/shocks available, I decided to go with a set of Bilstein B4's front and rear. These aren't adjustable but should match the factory spring rates very nicely.

I ordered the cheapest complete kit (their request) I could find off of ebay. The struts were actually Gabriel struts and 3 years later it's still going without issue.

Bilstein HD struts with VR6 springs to raise the ride height.

I wound up getting Bilsteins off Tire Rack. The Bilstein indicates the stroke is a little shorter for lowered vehicles, but I have yet to notice them topping out on me anywhere. I'm quite happy with Bilsteins, zero complaints.

The Bilstein struts have served me well, but it's time for coilovers.

I had an slc with bilstein struts and h&r sport springs. Felt really nice and solid without being too harsh.

I replaced the front struts (bilistine B4 standard stock replacements) and front strut mounts/bearings and ball-joints. It's annoying that I'd already replaced all this stuff once but it was old and dead and needed replaced again.

I have a 2018 GTI with about 15K on Bilstein B8's with MSS street springs. Today while leaving work I heard a pop and rattle from the front end of the car. Pulled over, inspected and found the strut nut sheared at the threads between the strut and the strut mount.