GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Simeon on 12 September 2014, 09:31
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Hi all, hoping someone can clear up a question for me about front springs.
I have a 1997 mk3 Tdi and a while ago I fitted some Boge shocks with Eibach springs that were from a mk2 golf. Long story short (for reasons I have read about in an informative thread on ccgti) I had to fit them with mk2 top mounts in the end as I couldn't get the mk3 top mounts to work.
Anyway, the car is slightly impractical (no idea on the drop of the springs I fitted, but I presume 60mm). Standard ride height is a joke so I was going to fit some new 30mm drop ones - looking about Apex ones come in at about £85 delivered .. happy days.
However, they come with either 84mm or 71mm inner diameter top coils - can anyone advise on which ones I need that will work with mk3 top mounts for a 1997 car?
Had a search before anyone comments - lots of people saying that the size changed around 1995, but can't find a definitive answer whether they got smaller or larger at this time.
Cheers :)
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You want 84mm
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And get gti lemforder top mounts and febi top mount bearings
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Ok mate, cheers. Already went ahead and got Febi bearings, though gonna reuse the top mounts I took off as they look ok.
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Dont bother mate. They might look ok but they probably aint. Plus with the harsher ride you will have it will quickly wear them out. For the cost of them you may as well get new.
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im pretty sure the top coil diameter was reduced on the mk3???
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im pretty sure the top coil diameter was reduced on the mk3???
I have been reading some conflicting info on the net..
Need to find the old springs and measure them!
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Mk3's came with 80mm pigtails upto mid 94 (like the mk2) and then went to 65mm pigtails after then. Yours should be 65mm but you will need matching spring plates (if you got rid of the originals when fitting the other springs)
I sell Apex springs and keep febi top mounts kits and also lowering springs caps in stock (these give 10mm extra lowering to help level the front end up mk3 look!)
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Thought the gti didn't change?
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All models changed spring size at the same time (only the top mounts stayed the same on the gti throughout its life. Early non gti used a top mount with integrated top cups)
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(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y285/howardlinn/IMG_20140914_204458_zpsl6tfsixz.jpg) (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/howardlinn/media/IMG_20140914_204458_zpsl6tfsixz.jpg.html)
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So that's with the verniers set to 72mm. Gonna get the smaller ones.
BoneyBradley, what price can you supply the springs for? I'm looking to lower it approx 30mm all round as I want it to handle a bit better, but need it drivable. Its a shame really as it currently it looks and handles spot on, but my wife finds it difficult to drive with the pot hole avoiding manouvers required :p
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Oh, I have the spring caps, new bearings, old rubbers and the shallow nuts, so pretty set as long as I get the right springs :)
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Yes you have spring caps etc from mk2 thats why i said get the larger springs, but gti top mounts.
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Thats a spring from my mk3 mate and I have the corresponding caps etc..? So surely I need the smaller diameter so I can use those instead of the mk2 mounts I had to use to fit the other springs?
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You can use what ever spring you want if you have the caps. Only need to change the topmounts.
Because you said you had mk2 suspension i thought you had the larger diameter.
Im now confused lol pm boney and he will sort you out what you need.
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That will be a 65mm internal diameter spring (95+ model and I'm guessing that the original spring not the Mk2 type).
Spring wise my budgets start at £60 the set and I also deal with Spax and Apex and they are £110 the set for springs.
I fitted a shock/spring kit on mine which is 35mm lower and still has very good ride quality yet far better than the o.e (These come with the correct spring rates for the relevant engine, so are not over firm like some can be (ala FK springs!)) and they are £139 the set
std
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/10517991803_e4fd2263d5_z.jpg)
with kit
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/14333151979_425f3457fd_z.jpg)
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Yeah the pic is the original spring that I took off last year.
That looks like a good height mate, think I'll pop over to your site and order that kit then as not much more for all new shocks too!
Cheers :)
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Just to finish the thread up (for future searches) the post '95 springs are indeed the smaller diameter.
I bought the 'unbranded' spring and shock set up off boneybradley (actually a TaTechnix kit) and for £130 delivered I'm happy with it - the rear has about six height settings too. However, having just seen a thread offering FK AK coilovers for £180 delivered I wish I'd bought those as my wife still complains it's too low... :laugh: