This is the KONI Sport (yellow) front shock, part number 8741-1258SPORT, listed for 1990 to 1992 Volkswagen GTI, Golf II and Jetta II models. Its main advantage over stock is external rebound adjustment, so you can change the damping without pulling the shock off the car. Owners of Koni yellow sport shocks on user forums describe using that adjuster to move between a softer street setting and a firmer setting for autocross or track days, which a fixed stock damper cannot do. That tunability is what justifies the higher price over a basic replacement.
Setup is straightforward. Forum owners advise bottoming the unit out first, then working the adjuster toward its softest end, and they count turns from there to set a baseline. Owners also report that the shocks soften after a break-in period of roughly 200 miles, so re-check your setting after the first drive. Searches for a Golf II GTI or Jetta II Koni sport front damper, a Mk2 yellow Koni adjustable strut, or a 8741-1258SPORT replacement usually come down to this adjustability and the 1990 to 1992 application, so confirm your exact model year before ordering. Replacing both fronts together keeps left and right damping matched.
Published fitment information varies, with different year ranges and submodels appearing across sources. Confirm your exact model year, body style and engine with the manufacturer before ordering.
Owners on user forums describe turning the adjuster with a hex key from the top of the shock, so the setting can be changed in place. Check the adjuster and dust cap when you service the strut.
Owners on user forums report that the shocks soften up after about 200 miles of driving, so it is worth re-checking your chosen setting after break-in.
Adjusting the damping is a quick, in-place task. Owners on user forums suggest starting at the softest setting and counting turns from there, then adjusting on each side to the same setting. For the strut swap itself, support the car properly on jack stands and do not rely on a jack alone. Use a torque wrench on the strut top nut and mounting bolts, and check the manufacturer's install sheet for the specified torque values before final tightening.
