Hi all,
Looking at suspension options for the golf... Have been seeing recommendations of either looking at lowering springs and shocks or coilovers.
I feel like I'm leaning towards the springs as shocks as my budget would allow for better quality of them than the same cost coilovers.. however does anyone have any tips on where to go for these? Looking at VWHeritage site and they have a couple of KW options but don't know what to go for..
Basically, I want the golf to sit just above the BBS RA's better than stock... Any help would be really appreciated 👍
How about H&R -35mm springs that go with stock shocks? I've had H&R springs on many cars in the past and I have nothing bad to say about them.
Heritage are just a company who buy from others .. try to find who they buy off ..
try mark at classic-vw.co.uk or tom at dreadnought customs.co.uk both offer discounts and both can beat heritage prices easily.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-Bilstein-B4-Front-Rear-Shock-Absorber-Damper-Kit-VW-GOLF-MK2-1-8-16v-G60/253273893233?fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+II&hash=item3af84ce971:g:F7gAAOSwQMVfIhR-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk2-1-8GTI-16V-1-6-D-1-6TD-08-83-12-92-Eibach-Pro-Kit/380697817310?hash=item58a35bb0de:g:rSsAAOxyhSBSCoyG
https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/suspension-kits-735-c.asp
https://dreadnoughtcustoms.co.uk/collections/gaz-gold-coilovers/products/vw-golf-mk2-gaz-gold-coilover-kit
something like this ? i keep saying ill go springs and fresh dampers...but not got round to it yet.
How about H&R -35mm springs that go with stock shocks? I've had H&R springs on many cars in the past and I have nothing bad to say about them.
I was wondering whether just springs would be a good shout, everything I read says about getting shocks aswell? Is it maybe a case of even my shocks are fine then just get the springs and lower it. Had seen something on eBay about bumpstops etc.
But yeh tempted with springs first 👍
May not be enough but for you but OE 16v springs give you a slight drop and keep the ride sensible. New Shocks and springs together require a bit of research to ensure you don’t end up thinking you have no suspension at all...
try mark at classic-vw.co.uk or tom at dreadnought customs.co.uk both offer discounts and both can beat heritage prices easily.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-Bilstein-B4-Front-Rear-Shock-Absorber-Damper-Kit-VW-GOLF-MK2-1-8-16v-G60/253273893233?fits=Model%3AGolf%7CPlat_Gen%3AMK+II&hash=item3af84ce971:g:F7gAAOSwQMVfIhR-
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Golf-Mk2-1-8GTI-16V-1-6-D-1-6TD-08-83-12-92-Eibach-Pro-Kit/380697817310?hash=item58a35bb0de:g:rSsAAOxyhSBSCoyG
https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/suspension-kits-735-c.asp
https://dreadnoughtcustoms.co.uk/collections/gaz-gold-coilovers/products/vw-golf-mk2-gaz-gold-coilover-kit
something like this ? i keep saying ill go springs and fresh dampers...but not got round to it yet.
Thanks! Hadn't heard of these places but will definitely give them a shout and see what suggest!
I had seen this eBay shop but was a bit wary, they also for do this set
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/332524791043
Which seems to be everything but only a 20mm drop, will message and see,. It's more to know is it just springs/shocks or other little things i need to think of
Its purely personal choice, coilovers are cool... except nobody i know ever changes the heights after first setup.. maybe some saddos will... but i reckon 99% of people on coilover never touch again , i know from removing 100's of sets ,all are very much seized in position on road going cars. (i work in garage now) so in my mind go springs and new shocks, with bump stops.. pick drop height you want, theres defo options of 30/40mm and dont bin your old set up... until happy. after install wobble your car down to local wheel alignment place. get all 4 done. you can do with string and levels. but far better to book in with ATS,KWICKFIT, or local tyre fitters to do for me i can get 4 wheel checks done for £25... saves me the time and 5k investment in 4 post ramp and laser tools.
Its purely personal choice, coilovers are cool... except nobody i know ever changes the heights after first setup.. maybe some saddos will... but i reckon 99% of people on coilover never touch again , i know from removing 100's of sets ,all are very much seized in position on road going cars. (i work in garage now) so in my mind go springs and new shocks, with bump stops.. pick drop height you want, theres defo options of 30/40mm and dont bin your old set up... until happy. after install wobble your car down to local wheel alignment place. get all 4 done. you can do with string and levels. but far better to book in with ATS,KWICKFIT, or local tyre fitters to do for me i can get 4 wheel checks done for £25... saves me the time and 5k investment in 4 post ramp and laser tools.
This is the reason I enjoy forums! Haha
I believer you're absolutely right, Im definitely leaning towards the springs etc as I don't want to slam, just lower and improve handling.
This is my first adventure into 'modifying' my boyhood dream car and really want to make sure I get all the right advice and not regret it!
Thanks
I have decided to go for these for the '90 8v
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eibach-Lowering-Springs-Bilstein-Gas-Shocks-Bumpstop-Kit-Golf-Mk2-/332524791043?hash=item4d6c05a503
I think that's the best choice if you want to maintain good driveability and not going full slammed.
I think that's the best choice if you want to maintain good driveability and not going full slammed.
On the back of the input i've got from this Thread, I'm very thankful - and would appreciate any other insight as to what i should be looking to get as a precautionary measure when changing the suspension on a 30year old car.
Thanks!
Bit late to the party, but you've made the right choice there!
Only thing I would add would be a set of mk3 VR top mounts.
They're stronger and last longer than mk2, they're also a direct swap.
Just remember to buy the bearing bush and nut and you can replace the whole shock then.
I think that's the best choice if you want to maintain good driveability and not going full slammed.
Best to have a back up car.. and take your time.. soak bolts in wd40/release oil for few days if you can.. Have a quality spring compressor ready and some heat. Be prepared for the worst... and hopefully it wont happen. I hate doing shocks and springs, i see danger everywhere, but have invested in a decent clap with back up thread bar clamps. Impact gun and tools to.
On the back of the input i've got from this Thread, I'm very thankful - and would appreciate any other insight as to what i should be looking to get as a precautionary measure when changing the suspension on a 30year old car.
Thanks!
Bit late to the party, but you've made the right choice there!
Only thing I would add would be a set of mk3 VR top mounts.
They're stronger and last longer than mk2, they're also a direct swap.
Just remember to buy the bearing bush and nut and you can replace the whole shock then.
That is for this, any links so I know what exactly I'm looking at? Thanks
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181961618729 think this is the item in question.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181961618729 maybe this
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181961618729 maybe this
Messaged the company about the top mounts and they said they're completely different and wouldn't fit?
I'll have a look and see if I can find anything in the members cars section to confirm haha
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181961618729 maybe this
They’re the ones ok. Don’t know why they said it wouldn’t fit.
Completely different, yes, but then that’s the point. They’re a much better design.
Those top mounts are what I have on my 91 8v MK2. I'm sure I paid more for mine too!
I have some KonI Sport Top adjustable's whichave I found too stiff when matched with eibach springs. I'm currently back on stock. However I belIeve the B4s are better than the KonIs.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181961618729 maybe this
Hahaha i gave up looking, but 90% of the time people commenting or answering questions can only see a spread sheet, they dont or never have changed anything on the car in question. Im the same id rather change like for like, unless forum members or people i trust comment on what works for them. In the past week, ive worked on alfa mto, renualt clio, mondeo st220,t4 camper, i dont have any speific knowledge on any of them only can identify issues and change parts. Air leak and service on alfa, faulty alternator(Overcharging), over fuelling renualt but intermittent faults not showing on scanners, sills and arch replacement on t4.
camper...
I have to ask questions and advice from co workers and google forums the rest.
They’re the ones ok. Don’t know why they said it wouldn’t fit.
Completely different, yes, but then that’s the point. They’re a much better design.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181961618729 maybe this
Hahaha i gave up looking, but 90% of the time people commenting or answering questions can only see a spread sheet, they dont or never have changed anything on the car in question. Im the same id rather change like for like, unless forum members or people i trust comment on what works for them. In the past week, ive worked on alfa mto, renualt clio, mondeo st220,t4 camper, i dont have any speific knowledge on any of them only can identify issues and change parts. Air leak and service on alfa, faulty alternator(Overcharging), over fuelling renualt but intermittent faults not showing on scanners, sills and arch replacement on t4.
camper...
I have to ask questions and advice from co workers and google forums the rest.
They’re the ones ok. Don’t know why they said it wouldn’t fit.
Completely different, yes, but then that’s the point. They’re a much better design.
Found a thread on the clubgti forum and it says about a threaded bush for the top and a spring plate..
I'm going to just do the suspension first then look at this later on, and see how I get on with the drop and improved handling first 👌
Ah yes. I was forgetting the need to change the top spring plate with one for a MK3. You need the large ones since standard MK3 are too small.
I got mine from the VW dealers so they were more than aftermarket ones.
Ah yes. I was forgetting the need to change the top spring plate with one for a MK3. You need the large ones since standard MK3 are too small.
I got mine from the VW dealers so they were more than aftermarket ones.
Sorry to be a pain, but if you have these on can you confirm all the parts needed haha
Thanks!
You need the parts identified by Ken and comfirmed by Monkey above plus 2 x 1H0412341 (110mm diameter) which are "VR6" top spring plates.
Do a search on Google and you will see they have a flat top which the MK3 bearing is securely located.
Prices are variable but worth checking the prices at the VW dealers since they don't have the "Gammon " surcharge!
Swapping the top mounts over is a fairly quick job but doing this at this when you swap the struts and springs means less hassle.
....how does predictive text come up with gammon.....must have known what was for xmas lunch...!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402028231138
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/402028231138
Thanks so much for this, apologies I've asked 1001 questions, just getting my head round This all, and like it was said, is easier to do all at once. Will get it fitted and get pictures and thoughts up asap
You need the parts identified by Ken and comfirmed by Monkey above plus 2 x 1H0412341 (110mm diameter) which are "VR6" top spring plates.
Do a search on Google and you will see they have a flat top which the MK3 bearing is securely located.
Prices are variable but worth checking the prices at the VW dealers since they don't have the "Gammon " surcharge!
Swapping the top mounts over is a fairly quick job but doing this at this when you swap the struts and springs means less hassle.
Thanks for this!
Mk3 VR's take the same top mounts as all Mk3 GTI's and 16v's and all late Mk3's.
I usually just ring the local motor factor with a reg of any Mk3 currently kicking about on eBay / Auto Trader after 1996 and have never been let down :)
The spring plate / top plate / nuts need to be bought separately, but the swap is indeed worth it. The nut for above each top mount bearing is 1H0412365A, the top plate is 357412319B and any M14 nut will do for above the plate generally. I always use coilovers so I don't have the numbers for the upper spring plate if you need that too but should be able to order it up for any given Mk3 GTI>.
Hi all, sorry to jump in the thread but I’m also looking to do the above but am going for coil overs this time round as I’m unsure of the ride height that I really want.
Most likely from vw classics as found on the above, the MTS Technik set if anyone has knowledge of these and if they are any good and any better alternatives for similar pricing.
Just a few questions. What would I need for the install. I’d like to change everything to new whilst I’m doing it. I’ll definitely use the above mk3 top plate,bush,nut and bearing combo for the front. But do I need anything else for both the back and have I missed anything for the front?
Let me know and apologies for the hijack happy to make a new post/thread if needed!
Hi Baz,
From the looks of it, if you're going for coilovers, you won't need the spring top plate, as the bearing, bush and nut will just bolt right up, that's the setup I have on mine at the moment.
As for MTS technik, I've never heard of that brand, so I'm not sure.
Hi Monkey,
Thanks for this, I was hoping that would be the case. No I’ve never heard of them either. I think I’ll do a bit more research before committing.
Cheers again.