Strut assembly Monroe or Bilstein

I'm a fan of quick struts, especially for the DIYer. I can't count the number of people I've seen buy brand new struts and ignore the shitty bearing plates, insulators, ultra-rusty springs, etc. They are also very easy, and that placates my laziness nicely. As far as the spring being sold compressed vs. non-compressed, I agree with TrouserPudding completely. An automotive coil spring spends the vast majority of it's life installed in a strut, and it's compressed the entire time. Makes no difference as I see it.

Quick Struts are fan freaking tastic.

When I went to Bilstein sports, I anticipated an increase in ride harshness - but was pleasantly surprised by a reduction harshness. Because the Bils have increased damping rates rebound vs. the GR-2's, so they are better able to damp the second half of a road surface impact - the part that bounces you up.

Pep Boys made good on their previous hack. This is a prime example of why it is SO important to say you need parts for a 1998 MKIII when you have a 1999 MKIII made the first half of the conversion year.

MKIII front Bilsteins are 22mm. I use a $5 Harbor Freight O2 Sensor socket myself.

my S6 has Bilstein Sports and I have a bit of oil in them in UrS4s and S6s, if you don't you risk having water getting in there

If the shocks or struts are worn out already, and not in warranty, don't buy another set of low quality tire shop struts or shocks. Spend a little more money and get a decent set of name brand (Bilstein, Koni, or Boge Turbogas)struts and shocks with a lifetime warranty.

I have bought Monroe struts for a toyota from rockauto, and swapped out the strut bearing and coil (With a spring-compressor) for the front. Everything was peachy until it got cold outside (40s) and the front right started clicking (not clunking!).

I put the Monro-matics on my 99 es300 a few years ago, one winter later I was back to replacing them. Monroe is generally my go to brand, but I will no longer buy their economy line.

Get Monroe/Gabriel/KYB instead of cheap no name crap like you linked to.