GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: funkyfive on 01 July 2009, 11:44

Title: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 01 July 2009, 11:44
I am thinking about lowering my golf gti 8v by 60mm on WEITEC ULTRA GT Sports Suspensions and was wondering is this too low?

Also I have a full Magnex Stainless Exhaust System and was also wondering will there be any issues?

Does anyone have pics?

I have already got powerflex bump stops and VR6 top mounts from ebay.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 01 July 2009, 11:53
I lowered mine more than that with no issues.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 01 July 2009, 11:53
Did you have issues with the exhaust banging on the cross members?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 01 July 2009, 12:17
Did you have issues with the exhaust banging on the cross members?

Yes, but moved the clamp and was fine after.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: shepgti on 01 July 2009, 15:09
60mm = nothing!
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Mikester on 01 July 2009, 15:15
I have a custom exhaust bent over the axel.

I have cheapo coilovers, and they have now failed.

I am going to upgrade to the same coilovers you are talking about, i would recomend changing all of the bushes on the suspension, with powerflex ones, or just new standard ones. And also the top mounts.

As when you go low they get battered to bits. I Changed them all and fitted the coilovers, done about 20k on them, and my car is literally falling to bits suspension wise!!! Totally needs an overhall. Next week :D
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 01 July 2009, 21:41
60mm = nothing!

What have you lowered yours on and how much?

You got pics?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 01 July 2009, 21:44
60mm = nothing!

What have you lowered yours on and how much?

You got pics?

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=101167.0

I was running 85mm drop front and 70mm rear on mine with no real issues.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 01 July 2009, 21:50
60mm = nothing!

What have you lowered yours on and how much?

You got pics?

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=101167.0

I was running 85mm drop front and 70mm rear on mine with no real issues.

Wow, thats low  :grin:
I had a full jetex system on my old vr6, it was lowered about 30mm.
I did have some clearance issues with the rear axle and exhaust, but i thinks it was because the exhaust was so big!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 01 July 2009, 22:02
60mm = nothing!

What have you lowered yours on and how much?

You got pics?

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=101167.0

I was running 85mm drop front and 70mm rear on mine with no real issues.

That is a low rider. 60mm for me will be fine.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: MK3GTI_16Valve on 02 July 2009, 13:04
Got the hottuning group buy before xmas, loved the lowered look and cornering capability on smooth roads but on rough country roads car was too solid, spent more time in the air than on the road. End result was slower speed than standard. Went through new mounts within a month. Ended up putting back in std old suspension but the hard rough ride has made sh*t of everything else. Creaks and rattles everywhere. Full suspension overhall now required. Should of spent the extra bit for high quality, good ride set up.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Adam on 02 July 2009, 13:34
Bit of a debate with the Hottuning coilovers. Mine are alrite now, I just didn't fit the front top mount bearing correctly.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 02 July 2009, 21:39
Do you need bump stops if you drop it 60mm?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 02 July 2009, 22:07
Do you need bump stops if you drop it 60mm?

Yes and if you go lower, saves the shock if it bottoms out.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 02 July 2009, 22:23
Do you need bump stops if you drop it 60mm?

Yes and if you go lower, saves the shock if it bottoms out.

Should i be able to see the bump stops on the current setup?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 02 July 2009, 23:52
Do you need bump stops if you drop it 60mm?

Yes and if you go lower, saves the shock if it bottoms out.

Should i be able to see the bump stops on the current setup?

Yes but they may have broken up and fell off.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 03 July 2009, 08:51
Do you need bump stops if you drop it 60mm?

Yes and if you go lower, saves the shock if it bottoms out.

Should i be able to see the bump stops on the current setup?

Cheers Wayne, I am going to rebuild them this weekend. Do you think powerflex bumpstops are the way forward or will standard will do?
Yes but they may have broken up and fell off.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 04 July 2009, 22:39
Does anyone know where to get the socket from for the slotted nut for the top of the strut?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 04 July 2009, 23:32
Halfords or ebay.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 04 July 2009, 23:42
Does anyone know where to get the socket from for the slotted nut for the top of the strut?

Or try a longish allen key and plug socket.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: shepgti on 05 July 2009, 00:05
Does anyone know where to get the socket from for the slotted nut for the top of the strut?

Or try a longish allen key and plug socket.

7mm brake caliper allen key works wonders
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 05 July 2009, 07:14
I got the allen key, but not the socket for the slotted locking nut.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 05 July 2009, 07:34
Is this the one i need as i am a bit unsure?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290327274133&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&salenotsupported
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 05 July 2009, 09:27
Is this the one i need as i am a bit unsure?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290327274133&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&salenotsupported

No, I cannot find it on ebay but it is a slotted type socket.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 05 July 2009, 09:30
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1624489

I could not find a tool so I did mine as the above link.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: phatsam2003 on 05 July 2009, 10:37
Was thinking of a complete suspension overhaul myself.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it a complete b!tch to change it all? and is it possible to do it myself, or would I need some specialist tools?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: shepgti on 05 July 2009, 10:59
Was thinking of a complete suspension overhaul myself.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it a complete b!tch to change it all? and is it possible to do it myself, or would I need some specialist tools?

is a piece of piss to do, only hard bit is fighting with rusty nuts/bolts..  i used a spark plug socket with an adjustable spanner attached to it wit a 7mm allen key down the middle instead of the slotted socket.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: phatsam2003 on 05 July 2009, 13:40
Was thinking of a complete suspension overhaul myself.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't it a complete b!tch to change it all? and is it possible to do it myself, or would I need some specialist tools?

is a piece of piss to do, only hard bit is fighting with rusty nuts/bolts..  i used a spark plug socket with an adjustable spanner attached to it wit a 7mm allen key down the middle instead of the slotted socket.

Abso-bloody-marvelous!!

So changing all the bushes isn't hard to do? I thought I read before that they need to be pressed in/out and it's not an easy task....
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 05 July 2009, 18:46
Aren't people getting confused between the top nut holding the plate and the slotted nut holding the top mount to the strut?
Offset spanner and allen key, or allen key and spark plug socket to do the top nut.
If i remember right the mk3 doesn't have the slotted nut, just a normal nut holding the strut together.
Well it did on the vr i had.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 05 July 2009, 18:59
Aren't people getting confused between the top nut holding the plate and the slotted nut holding the top mount to the strut?
Offset spanner and allen key, or allen key and spark plug socket to do the top nut.
If i remember right the mk3 doesn't have the slotted nut, just a normal nut holding the strut together.
Well it did on the vr i had.

Correct, it is a normal nut.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Adam on 05 July 2009, 19:07
Snap On impact gun wizzed mine off.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 05 July 2009, 20:16
Hi Guys

My mk3 has a slotted nut on the top mount, i am one strut of rebuilding the fronts with new top mounts, bump stops, and top plates prior to lowering my old girl. I am having a major issue with this nut and need the tool and a impact wrench to get it off.

I think i found the socket on ebay and have already ordered it. I hope it works other wise i will have to hack saw it off.

Also where can you buy the slotted nuts from?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 05 July 2009, 20:24
The link you posted is the correct tool.
You've shouldn't need an impact wrench to get it off, but i would crack it off while the strut is still on the car.
You can get new slotted nuts from the main dealer.
Is your car not a gti?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 05 July 2009, 21:56
The link you posted is the correct tool.
You've shouldn't need an impact wrench to get it off, but i would crack it off while the strut is still on the car.
You can get new slotted nuts from the main dealer.
Is your car not a gti?

Yes its a gti but I am putting on a lowering kit and am building new struts.

Thanks for confirming the tool.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: DOA on 05 July 2009, 22:37
If you have a piece of tube or similar sized socket that will go over the strut top you can make something to undo the slotted nut with a grinder or file (admittedly a lot of hard work to file if using a socket lol). 
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 05 July 2009, 22:41
Cheers DOA, but i bought the tool for £8.50 of ebay 10 mins ago.

Does anyone know if OEM part number: 357-412-329 will fit a mk3 gti 8v 1995?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 07 July 2009, 21:04
I got the slotted nut off and now need to order 2 new ones and two new spring plates.

Anyone got any ideas where i can these from on the cheap?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 07 July 2009, 23:32
Why do you need new nuts? are the old ones f**ked?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 08 July 2009, 07:38
Why do you need new nuts? are the old ones f**ked?

Yes mate big time. These struts were a bit*ch to fix.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 July 2009, 08:46
Get the nuts from vw, they aren't expensive.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: omex_uk on 08 July 2009, 13:54
correct me if im wrong but are the gti's internals lower then the other mk3s. because your all talking about 60mm drops being low but my 1.4 is down 110 on the back and 95 on the front and theres no real problems  :lipsrsealed:

(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u195/omex_uk/456.jpg)

no rubbing arches, no scrapping parts. yes its stiff and you have to hit speedbumps at 1mph but meh. thats on standard bumpstops and bushings to.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: shepgti on 08 July 2009, 15:00
correct me if im wrong but are the gti's internals lower then the other mk3s. because your all talking about 60mm drops being low but my 1.4 is down 110 on the back and 95 on the front and theres no real problems  :lipsrsealed:


no rubbing arches, no scrapping parts. yes its stiff and you have to hit speedbumps at 1mph but meh. thats on standard bumpstops and bushings to.

is differnt when you arnt driving a heap of sh!t though  :wink:
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: omex_uk on 08 July 2009, 15:34
correct me if im wrong but are the gti's internals lower then the other mk3s. because your all talking about 60mm drops being low but my 1.4 is down 110 on the back and 95 on the front and theres no real problems  :lipsrsealed:


no rubbing arches, no scrapping parts. yes its stiff and you have to hit speedbumps at 1mph but meh. thats on standard bumpstops and bushings to.

is differnt when you arnt driving a heap of sh!t though  :wink:

lol that is true.

it was more of a response for the people who think 60mm is low.

my gti(which isnt a heap) is going that low if not lower :D
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 08 July 2009, 15:37
I cannot see the point of running a car that low to be honest,must be horrid to drive.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: omex_uk on 08 July 2009, 16:12
I cannot see the point of running a car that low to be honest,must be horrid to drive.

depends what you class as horrid. its bumpy as hell but i like being able to feel the road.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 08 July 2009, 18:37
That is seriously low!
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 08 July 2009, 18:37
Get the nuts from vw, they aren't expensive.

Nuts are only £1.72 from vw.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 08 July 2009, 19:34
Yes as i said they are cheap.
I had to change them on an Audi 90 a few years back, the garage that worked on the car previously had used a chisel and hammer to remove them  :sick:
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 09 July 2009, 22:04
That is low
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 11 July 2009, 14:05
Major problem, i got all the bits from vw then come accross some major issues.

There seem to be two types of mounts, bearings etc.. on ETKA can anyone help?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 11 July 2009, 14:43
Major problem, i got all the bits from vw then come accross some major issues.

There seem to be two types of mounts, bearings etc.. on ETKA can anyone help?

The top spring plate changed from 60mm to 80mm I believe, but all the top mounts are the same.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 11 July 2009, 15:25
Major problem, i got all the bits from vw then come accross some major issues.

There seem to be two types of mounts, bearings etc.. on ETKA can anyone help?

The top spring plate changed from 60mm to 80mm I believe, but all the top mounts are the same.

You sure its not 80mm to 60mm?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 11 July 2009, 16:39
Major problem, i got all the bits from vw then come accross some major issues.

There seem to be two types of mounts, bearings etc.. on ETKA can anyone help?

The top spring plate changed from 60mm to 80mm I believe, but all the top mounts are the same.

You sure its not 80mm to 60mm?

Yes sorry early ones were bigger.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 11 July 2009, 16:58
Damn that also means the top mounts will be different?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 11 July 2009, 16:59
Damn that also means the top mounts will be different?

No all the top mounts are the same, you need VR6 spec.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 11 July 2009, 17:01
I used and can recommend these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK3-GTI-VR6-CORRADO-SHOCK-TOP-MOUNT-KITS-C358_W0QQitemZ190303140410QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2c4ef37a3a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Rear if needed:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK2-MK3-CORRADO-REAR-SHOCK-MOUNT-KIT-C187_W0QQitemZ200281847750QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2ea1ba77c6&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 11 July 2009, 17:35
I used and can recommend these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK3-GTI-VR6-CORRADO-SHOCK-TOP-MOUNT-KITS-C358_W0QQitemZ190303140410QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2c4ef37a3a&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Rear if needed:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-GOLF-MK2-MK3-CORRADO-REAR-SHOCK-MOUNT-KIT-C187_W0QQitemZ200281847750QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item2ea1ba77c6&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A7%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A2%7C294%3A50

Thanks God, thats the bloke i bought mine from lol.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 11 July 2009, 22:47
Problem i have got i am not over confident that the new spring plates will fit and hold the springs. Also the hole in the middle is alot bigger.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 12 July 2009, 08:32
As an idea could i use the old spring plates and put the new top mounts on? I've been told the strut housing is all the same on the mk3's!!??
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 12 July 2009, 09:52
As an idea could i use the old spring plates and put the new top mounts on? I've been told the strut housing is all the same on the mk3's!!??

Yes you can reuse the old spring plates.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 12 July 2009, 11:22
As an idea could i use the old spring plates and put the new top mounts on? I've been told the strut housing is all the same on the mk3's!!??

Yes you can reuse the old spring plates.

But would that be ok with the new top mounts?
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 12 July 2009, 15:52
As an idea could i use the old spring plates and put the new top mounts on? I've been told the strut housing is all the same on the mk3's!!??

Yes you can reuse the old spring plates.

But would that be ok with the new top mounts?

Yes, fine
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 12 July 2009, 19:51
As an idea could i use the old spring plates and put the new top mounts on? I've been told the strut housing is all the same on the mk3's!!??

Yes you can reuse the old spring plates.

But would that be ok with the new top mounts?

Yes, fine

Your a star!! Thanks for that as i was getting nervous. I should have guessed there would be issues.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 12 July 2009, 22:00
No worries, happy to help.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 13 July 2009, 21:14
I think i need the below due to the type of suspension kit

Plates - 1H0 412 341
Threaded Bush - 811 412 365
Top Mounts - 357 412 329
Washer - 171 412 369

My car is an 1995 ADY.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: VR6-Joe on 14 July 2009, 06:00
I've worked on;
2 1993 Mk3's
1 1994 Mk3
1 1995 Mk3
3 1996 Mk3's

I've chopped and changed suspension more times than I care to remember and I've never came across any problems with spring plates or top mounts, so why you so worried?

I've even put Mk3 suspension on a Mk2 and vise versa without any problems.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 14 July 2009, 07:24
I've never done the suspension myself before. I bought a lowering kit for Mk3's excluding the gti's and VR6 due to the price and that fact it drops it 60mm. The springs plates seem to be different on my car as they are smaller than the ones supplied with the kit and i just want to make sure i do it right e.g use the supplied spring plates with either the new top mounts or buy the other top mounts. The other reason i need to get it right is i have two children and the wife is getting pi**ed off i keep spending lots of time on the car.

So planning and preperation is really important to me.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: VR6-Joe on 14 July 2009, 07:37
Fair enough buddy..

If spring plates were supplied with the lowering kit like you say they were then you obviously use them with the kit...
As for the top mounts, it doesn't matter what top mounts you use as I believe they all fit the same way and do the same job

I see what you mean about planning and preperation but without trying things out you don't know if it's going to work

:)
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: funkyfive on 14 July 2009, 07:49
Good advice Joe. I will give it a go on Saturday.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Jimp on 14 July 2009, 20:47
Just wondering before I get coilovers, what does changing the top mounts for VR6 top mounts actually do? Are the stiffer or something? thanks  :smiley:
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: Wayne on 14 July 2009, 20:50
Just wondering before I get coilovers, what does changing the top mounts for VR6 top mounts actually do? Are the stiffer or something? thanks  :smiley:

Yes uprated a bit from GTI spec.
Title: Re: Lowering debate
Post by: shepgti on 14 July 2009, 21:08
Just wondering before I get coilovers, what does changing the top mounts for VR6 top mounts actually do? Are the stiffer or something? thanks  :smiley:

makes no differnce to performance or anything, they are used as they are seen to least longer due to being slightly more 'heavy duty'