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Topic: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks (Read 4607 times) previous topic - next topic

Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

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 👍

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #1 –
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.
Just a Finnish dude.

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #3 –
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.

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Bamppa on
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 👍

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #5 –
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...

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Kenneth cartwright on
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
 

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #7 –
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.

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Kenneth cartwright on
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

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #10 –
I think that's the best choice if you want to maintain good driveability and not going full slammed.
Just a Finnish dude.

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Bamppa on
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!


Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #12 –
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.
Mk2 Driver
Mk2 Silver 8v
Corrado G60 Turbo
Mk2 Red 8v
Mk2 Grey 16v
Mk2 BBM ABF
Bora 20vt
Mk2 Green VR6
Mk2 Green ABF
Mk2 BBM 20vt
3.2 TT Roadster
Mk2 Red 16v
225 TT Coup
3.2 TT Coup
Mk4 Anniversary
Mk7 Red GTI Performance
Mk2 Red GTI Restoration
Mk2 BBM R32
911 Carrera 4S

Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Scherni on
Quote from: Bamppa on
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!



Re: Coilovers or Lowering springs/shocks

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Monkey on
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