Lowering GTTDI 130 question...

[m19ads]

Hello all

I have finally deided that I cant cope with my GT TDI130 being the 4x4 that it is anymore!!  I have fitted 17s to it and having had the car nearly a year am really loving it apart from the way it sits!  I reckon there is about a 90mm gap between top of tire and arch  :embarassed: so it needs to come down!!  I have an issue with budget in that I dont have any thing in the pot so looking for a cheap option for now so just changing the springs initially.  When the standard shocks die I will then look at coilovers or just a full set of lowering springs and shocks....  So the question is (and apologies if it has been covered!) The springs that claim a 40mm drop, will the car really drop?!!  I had a couple of sets of springs on previous pug and it never seemed to drop it!!  I have been looking at the Jamex ones which I think claim 35mm so can I expect it to drop this much?  I assume from the standard height that the 130 is not lowered as standard at all?  If it is lowered then I guess the 35mm is quoted for a non lowwered car if that makes sense!!  I will have to do it myself so need to find a how to guide, if any one can point me in the direction that would be great!
Cheers
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[Tucker82]

Well I have just put a new set of 18" rs4's on my 130 and I still think it sits too high. Again with not much of a budget ive just got a set of the Jamex ones off the bay with 35mm drop. If you go (so I read on here) more than 40mm your ARB will rub on the driveshafts and you will have to fit adjustable droplinks. Im hoping that once I fit the springs it will sit nicely, then I might play with Spacers on the rear...

you will eventually need new shocks but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

[m19ads]

Thanks for the reply, out if interest what sort of gap do you currently have between top of tire and wheel arch? I think I may go for the Jamex suspension kit with springs and dampers for £150 delivered.  Whilst I realise they are cheap as chips hopefully they will do the job!  Be interested to see before and after pics when you have done yours, also be inerested to know how close to the 35mm drop you actually get!

[Tucker82]

I plan to fit the springs on Saturday, fingers crossed. I will take some before and afters. I think theres about 60-70mm gap ATM. I'll measure it before and after too, but remember the springs will need to settle in for a few days.

Here's a guide I have just found:

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q_how_to/a4/strutreplace1.htm

[suzyGTI]

if the set in question are the ones on ebay off  shop called performance 2000, or similar, they are the ones i have.  i had some issues with mine but all fine now.

1, the front springs were too big for the cups at the top of the struts  the shop were fine about it tho, i sent them back at their cost and all was sorted within a couple of weeks.

2, it was supposed to lower the car 35mm but its more like 70mm.....i kid you not!!!  i cant get down some roads its that low.  looks gorgeous but unpractical lol.  we are still on 15's tho and standard tyre walls so maybe with 17s and low profiles you may get that extra inch you need to get over speed bumps

3, remember they are cheap, it does handle loads better (no longer like a boat) but it is skippy on occassions

good luck.  i sent mine to my mates garage to be done, too cold to mess bout outside at the mo brrrrr

[Tucker82]

Well, an update. I did my rears on the weekend as I ran out of time after changing a mates brakes!

Rears took me about 10 minutes (with a ramp, so I could get the car in the air in seconds!)
Looks just how I wanted and the ride isn't too hard. Handles much better on the turns! Ive decided Im going to fit 10mm spacers on the back, with an offset of 35 so it'll look nice and wide...

Front springs/new intercooler and window repair along with a remap this weekend! Cant wait..

Once the front is down i'll post up some pics...

[irmscher]

You did them in 10 minutes?   Even with a ramp that's supersonic speed - do you work in motorsport by any chance?

[Adam]

if the set in question are the ones on ebay off  shop called performance 2000, or similar, they are the ones i have.  i had some issues with mine but all fine now.

Performance 3000. They are down the road from me in Yeovil. They have been known to bodge stuff but if their eBay sales are good then heyho.

[Rhyso]

You did them in 10 minutes?   Even with a ramp that's supersonic speed - do you work in motorsport by any chance?

lol to change the rear springs is far easier than the fronts

10 minutes sounds a long time though - I know someone who can change them faster than that 

[Phil.O]

You did them in 10 minutes?   Even with a ramp that's supersonic speed - do you work in motorsport by any chance?

lol to change the rear springs is far easier than the fronts

10 minutes sounds a long time though - I know someone who can change them faster than that 

i was thinking that too - i remember when i did mine having a race with a mate to see who could do it faster