What do I do for the best?

[Loo-knee]

This is the first Golf I have owned.  Bought it with coilovers on,  not sure of the make but it was on its arse as you say.... so raised it so I can just see the top of the tyre.  Would this height be around 30mm lower than standard? The reason I ask is there is an annoying squeak from rear drivers shock,  also when you lock over there is a strange thumping sound from the front passenger side. Jacked the car and turned from lock to lock and no noise. The tyre is not catching on the inner or wheel arch... so I am toying with (the normal to me) Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks and have done.  I want the car to handle well. Always with other cars with this set up been happy. I then intend a trip to Nigel Langs to get the geometry done then off to get the Uniroyal tyres fitted that people on here rate. Whoever owned the car before fitted 17" wheels with five studs. Bloody close to the wheelarch.... one of the reasons I lifted it. The other fed up with everything bottoming when I gk over stupid speed humps lol

Good decision or not?
Any advise greatly appreciated

[thai-wronghorse]

Sounds to me like you're making the right moves fella.  If you want it to drive / handle well then losing the 17s and cheap coilovers  are exactly what need  to be done. 

[Loo-knee]

Cheers for that mate. So getting smaller wheels will make it handle better? Thats a shame as these 17's look lovely 

[madsb]

go for 16 inch

[Leroy]

The lower your cheap coilovers are the worse the ride will be, so if your raising it a bit it should start feeling a bit better, no doubt your running rubber band low profile tyres on the 17's as well so they fit which won't help with the ride. ive got 16's with 40 or 45 profile tyres on mine (can't remember) and cheap jom coilovers not running too low and i can't complain about the ride.

Before you start spending a fortune on new suspension, just raise the car to an acceptable level and see if it improves any. If not, its decision time, the expense of spring/shock suspension or smaller wheels with a bit more tyre profile.

[Loo-knee]

Maybe we could meet up and you can give me some pointers save me annoying the life out of members who have seen the same questions over and over....
I was a Mod on another car forum and I think the favourite question was ...... "whats the best oil for my car?" L

[boneybradley]

I was a Mod on another car forum and I think the favourite question was ...... "whats the best oil for my car?" L

don't worry we do get asked that loads..... this works sometimes 



b.t.w mine is o.e height and is about 40mm above the arch (on 16's)

[Len]

Smaller wheels will not make it handle better!
You will get a more supple ride.
I am assuming this going from 17 inch wheels with 40 profile tyres to 16's with 45 profile.
Currently doing this myself using Uniroyal Rainsports again.
So will let you know later next week.

[VW BUSH]

Mk3 only needs uprated damping and springs to make it handle heaps better, lowering is mostly for looks.
OE wheel size and tyres will give the best cotact to the tarmac through travel of the lower arm and strut.
By dropping your car you have less travel before you make sub optimal contact with the road surface.