GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Manxmann on 29 May 2009, 23:07
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Hi Folks,
Just after another bit of advice. A little while ago I decided the valver needed lowering as it was looking a bit silly with standard springs and 17" wheels.
Now bearing in mind that I only paid £150 for the car and I'm already down the cost of Bilstein gas shocks / bushes all round I couldn't entertain even a cheap set of coilovers.
Looking around I found a set of 40mm lowering springs from a company called Essex Racing which where reasonably priced so went ahead and bought them.
Yesterday I fitted the front two springs and was very pleased the fit and finish is great and the ride improvements quiet astonishing for such little money.
Now the problem, I went to fit the rear spring tonight only to find they don't fit, the overall diameter of the spring is about 5mm too small to fit over the inner locating 'cup' of the top plate.
The springs are clearly marked 'Golf Mk3 Rear' so don't think I've been sent the wrong set.
What options do I have, ideally I'd like to get some replacement rear top plates with a smaller centre location cup, that way I can keep the springs I have. It also saves me having to take the fronts off to send them back :wink:
Any advice appreciated.
Tar
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If i remember correct the mk3 came with 2 different sized cups depending on year, as i have seen threads about this problem before. Cant remeber, but will have a search for you mate.
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Cheers Mikester appreciate that. :smiley:
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think this came up recently, like mike said the ealier gtis (up to 94??) had larger pig tail top plates. but are you fitting the springs to the bilstein shocks?? :undecided:
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The fronts are 100% different early and late, just checked http://www.vagcat.com/ and they only have 1 rear plate listed, might be the wrong springs maybe.
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but are you fitting the springs to the bilstein shocks?? :undecided:
Is this really bad? :shocked:
I'm sure I read you can go to 40mm on standard shocks without too many problems, reduced shock life being the only real issue.
It certainly drives a darn site better than before.
I'm worried now :undecided:
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but are you fitting the springs to the bilstein shocks?? :undecided:
Is this really bad? :shocked:
I'm sure I read you can go to 40mm on standard shocks without too many problems, reduced shock life being the only real issue.
It certainly drives a darn site better than before.
I'm worried now :undecided:
no is fine dont worry, was just confused by your original post as you mentioned bilstein shocks which will have a standard size top plate whereas standard mk3 shocks may be differnt.
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but are you fitting the springs to the bilstein shocks?? :undecided:
Is this really bad? :shocked:
I'm sure I read you can go to 40mm on standard shocks without too many problems, reduced shock life being the only real issue.
It certainly drives a darn site better than before.
I'm worried now :undecided:
Lowered springs should really only be fitted shocks that have a shorter travel, will be fine in the short term however.
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The fronts are 100% different early and late, just checked http://www.vagcat.com/ and they only have 1 rear plate listed, might be the wrong springs maybe.
Cheers Wayne, I new the early Mk3 had what amounts to Mk2 front mounts.
Hmm not good about the rear mount only showing 1 listed, as I say the springs have 'Golf Mk3 Rear' marked on them. Guess I'll be calling them tomorrow to arrange a return. :sad:
Are the rear mounts the same for all Mk3's? i.e. what about the non GTi/VR6 (Should that be lesser :grin:) models
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The fronts are 100% different early and late, just checked http://www.vagcat.com/ and they only have 1 rear plate listed, might be the wrong springs maybe.
Cheers Wayne, I new the early Mk3 had what amounts to Mk2 front mounts.
Hmm not good about the rear mount only showing 1 listed, as I say the springs have 'Golf Mk3 Rear' marked on them. Guess I'll be calling them tomorrow to arrange a return. :sad:
Are the rear mounts the same for all Mk3's? i.e. what about the non GTi/VR6 (Should that be lesser :grin:) models
Yes all the same.
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:cry: Ah well nice idea while it lasted.
Cheers guys stars as always
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out of intrest how much did you pay for the springs?
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out of intrest how much did you pay for the springs?
These are the ones I bought:
http://www.essexracing.com/product_info.php?products_id=878
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what year/model is your car?
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what year/model is your car?
She's an August 96 16v 5door in a fetching Dragon Green.
Me and the missus are a right pair as she drives a 96 VR6 5door again Dragon Green.
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I would contact the supplier and explain the issue...I've fitted dozen's of rear golf springs and they were all the same size on the back (and are identical to the mk2! I've also swapped them between mk2's and late mk3's)
the only time I've had issues is with aftermarket top mounts but it sounds like you don't have that issue!
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I would contact the supplier and explain the issue...I've fitted dozen's of rear golf springs and they were all the same size on the back (and are identical to the mk2! I've also swapped them between mk2's and late mk3's)
the only time I've had issues is with aftermarket top mounts but it sounds like you don't have that issue!
Cheers I contacted the supplier on Saturday morning, gave me some B0ll0ck$ about VW changing bits around on the 96 car causing this issue. Anyway they agreed straight away to take them back and give me a refund.