MK3 Lowering springs and standard shocks ...?

[Metus]

Hey guys, new here so be nice if this is a stupid question.

I have a 95(M) model Golf TDi and I'm looking to lower it 30-40mm so that the wheels sit nicely in the arches. The ride of the car already seems very good, so would it be ok to use the standard shocks with the 30mm lowering springs? Or would this cause problems?

If this is ok would Eibech springs be recommended as I have found them for £70 which seems reasonable.

Thanks

[GolfGL]

Metus i would recommend goin for atleast shocks and springs because uprated shocks are suited to working with lowered springs and will last longer. might not cause problems but i would think the damping abililty of your original shocks would get worse much quicker than on standard springs. if you were just going for springs check you get the exact springs for your car as there are several designs for the mk3s. £70 does sound good if brand new, think my H and Rs were about £90. hope this helps

[Metus]

Cheers for the suggestions.

Could you elaborate as to why it would cause the dampers to wear quicker (just curious)? And as this is a ten year old car with (as far as I can tell) the original shocks, how long they will last for before needing replacement anyways?

Would it be reasonable to use the lowering springs and then just replace the dampers when they are shot with uprated dampers as they will need replacing soon anyways (dependant on your answer to the above)!? As this would sve me some money for the time being to get some alloys and clean up of the paint work.

Thanks

: Also, off topic :

How do I view and reply to my PMs ? been a long day and I can't seem to figure it out, cheers

[GolfGL]

the standard shocks are made to be used with springs that allow a lot more flexibility than hard lowered springs so when they are expected to take more pounding every day which they are not designed for they will just not last as long, and the damper does not get to extend to its fullest because the spring is shorter. not really sure to how long they will last but im sure the life expectancy of them would be reduced.
Also would are you fitting them yourself as if you arent its a bit of a waste paying twice to have someone firstly change your springs then to change your dampers at a latter date plus possible track and camber reallignment. something like the boge turbo dampers would cost your an additional £90 and might save you some hassel in the long run.

[Metus]

Thanks for your continued help

I had a think and realised that paying twice wasn't the greatest idea I ever had, doubt very much I could fit the springs myself ...

I have found Bilisten and Boge (both roughly the same price) at Euro Car Parts which would cost £108.43 (shipped) which plus springs will cost just over £200 + fitting, all in all being less than buying a kit so I'm still happy .

BILISTEN FRONT SHOCK ABSORBER - B2 OIL VW GO2/GO3/JE2/VENTO £26.20 (each)
BILISTEN ORIGINAL GOLF 2 REAR £19.94 (each)

I've heard a lot of good comments about the Bilisten/Eibach combination though I'm not sure if these are the right shocks?? Iit doesn't seem to say anything about being uprated?


... Just read that gas dampers are better so here are the Boge ones also (though still oil on the front..?)  ...

BOGE/SACHS FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLY (OIL) GO2/3/JE2/VENTO £26.73 (each)
BOGE/SACHS REAR SHOCK ABSORBER (GAS) GO2/3/JE2/VE/GCAB £26.50 (each)

total: £125.09

Which would be the recommended? Cheers

[GolfGL]

Sorry mate can only comment on what i got as all kits are different with varying levels of road comfort. i went for H and R springs similar to eibach with the boge turbo shocks. i got my boge turbo ones from GSF and were £25 for rear and £28 for front each. these ones are uprated by something like 20-30% and made for standard or lowered springs and going well so far. i think the ride is pretty good, of course a bit harder but i can still handle the speed humps and it looks pretty good click on the gallery to see what it looks like. lastly might be worth considering/not always necessary, getiing new rear bumpstops and front top mounts depending on condition of yours. dont worry i was in this position bout 8 months ago aswell.

[Metus]

That's cool, thank you very much for your help, I think I'll follow your suggestion and either get Boge/Bilisten shocks and Eibach/H&R springs. Will also check and see if I need new bump stops and front top mounts as it would be good to get it all fitted at the same time if it's needed

Thanks for the heads-up on the gallery, that is one nice looking golf you have there!! If you don't mind me asking, what size wheel/tyres are those and how much have you lowered it by, does it rub in the arches?? looks awesome!

Cheers

[GolfGL]

cheers mate an on going project so since then has a few more mods and been saving up for something a bit quicker. i got ace 112 alloys in 17s. a mk3 lowered by 40mm and on 17s shouldnt have any issues aslong as they are on 205/40/17 tyres and with the correct offset, although i had to use spacers on the back.

[Metus]

Awesome, cheers bud. I'll be keeping an eye on your gallery to see the updates