When considering any aftermarket product for my vehicles, the first thing I evaluate is the installation process. If it’s something I can tackle with my tools and a bit of elbow grease in my garage, I’m all in. Sometimes, I even rope in friends for a collaborative garage session, especially if they have specialized tools or knowledge to share. However, for more complex or time-sensitive upgrades, I rely on professional shops. Take my suspension, for instance. Since there aren’t any off-the-shelf lift kits for the Audi A4 Allroad, a custom solution was the only way to go.
This required the expertise of a seasoned mechanic and fabricator. Initially, I reached out to my contacts within the overlanding community for recommendations. Surprisingly, many off-road shops were hesitant, citing the Audi’s intricate and sensitive systems. Fortunately, I found a shop willing to embrace the challenge as an exciting project. Max from CAtuned Motorsports in Sacramento stepped up to the plate, agreeing to engineer a bespoke suspension lift for my A4 Allroad.
His initial approach involved fabricating spacers, which boosted the ground clearance to an impressive 13 inches. However, this proved to be excessive for the Allroad’s suspension geometry. From that point, it became a process of trial and error, navigating uncharted territory to find the optimal setup. But at that stage, turning back was simply not an option.
One Thing Leads to Another with the A4 Allroad
With the suspension finally dialed in, I was eager to put it to the test on some trails. This newfound capability ignited my passion for photography, particularly off-road vehicle photography. It also became a catalyst for spending more time immersed in nature and exploring the open road. Soon, I found myself consumed with acquiring camping gear and outfitting the A4 Allroad for extended outdoor expeditions.
Looking ahead, I’m also planning to design and build custom camera rigs for the Allroad to facilitate some video production projects I’ve been envisioning. The possibilities for creative expansion feel endless, and the Allroad is proving to be the perfect platform to bring these ideas to life. Photography re-entered my creative sphere back in 2006.
It began as a hobby and organically evolved into a career. I undertook an apprenticeship as a black and white fine art photographer at Ets-Hokin Studios in San Francisco, focusing on abstract photography and supplementing my income with wedding photography. Like any creative pursuit, the journey has had its ebbs and flows. After some time, I experienced a creative lull, partly due to the demanding nature of wedding photography and dealing with challenging clients.
