leaglity of ride height...

[McDub]

As far as i know, the legal requirement for cars is to be 100mm at the lowest point?

I looked up a golf MKIV manual, and the standard ground clearance for the golf is 122mm

Now when people lower their car's typically they lower is 25-40mm, so bascally all of those would be illegal, right?

Why is it that no-one comments on the legality of lowering to an illegal ride height, yet as soon as people mention putting spacers on wheels, everyone says "you realise that is an illegal mod"

Well then arn't most suspension mods also illegal?

[Preen59]

Because most people are idiots. They also like to complain and shoot people down. Makes them feel important. Plain and simple.

The funny thing is that spacers aren't dangerous. Yet lowering your car a long way can be very dangerous.

I think even my Caddy technically is bordering on illegal for ride height. I should check for interest sake.

[dylan8]

The funny thing is that spacers aren't dangerous.

When used correctly with the correct length bolts etc

[Mrk_Mickey]

I find it hard to believe the clearance on the golf is 122mm...

[Preen59]

When used correctly with the correct length bolts etc

Yes well tyres are dangerous if you don't inflate them..

[McDub]

I find it hard to believe the clearance on the golf is 122mm...

it is according to page 14 of the bentley manual

[Tim]

Yes well tyres are dangerous if you don't inflate them..

I think its just morons that are dangerous

[Yevvy]

I find it hard to believe the clearance on the golf is 122mm...

i reckon my front lip was lower than that on stock 16s...does that count as the lowest part of the vehicle?

[VW VR6]

What about mudflaps ??? They are look like lower parts ???

[jayjay]

well then if you wanna go lower rip them mudflaps off!

i dont think the danger from a stress standpoint has anything to do with hubcentric spacers. those $10 ones that you buy that fit everything which require longer bolts, they'll make you shear off a wheel lug and slide down the motor way at 100 on 3 wheels. ( i've seen the aftermath ).

i spose suspensions is usually one of those things a workshop fits and whilst the rideheight might be lower than a regulatory figure, the most you'll break is a sump, in which case everything will grind to a halt.

[McDub]

i spose suspensions is usually one of those things a workshop fits and whilst the rideheight might be lower than a regulatory figure, the most you'll break is a sump, in which case everything will grind to a halt.

but what if you car is in a crash, can't insurance say "car isn't roadworthy due to illegal right height"?

[JustCruisn]

OK I went and measured my clearances.
I have a Mk4 GTI with Eibach springs. It sits about 30mm lower than stock.
The side rails are 115mm at the front and 116mm at the rear.
Front valance is 115mm.
Lowest part below the control arms is 111mm.

* All measured with a builder's standard tape measure.

[dylan8]

but what if you car is in a crash, can't insurance say "car isn't roadworthy due to illegal right height"?

yep. also will try and say modifications caused the crash. eg tinting to dark so couldnt see, car was to low so handling and braking geometry have changed (even if you know they have improved).

[gareth_oau]

the insurance company doesnt have to prove that the mods caused the crash.

you have a duty of disclosure, and if you dont advise that suspension has been modified, then they can claim you entered into the "insurance contract" illegally. therefore, had they have know all the facts, they may have charged a higfher premium (to cover any additional perceived risk) or even chose not to insure you at all (their choice).

therefore, if you are in an accident, and the insurance company may have originally chosen not to insure you if you had declared correctly in the first place, then they wouldnt be up for a repair bill now.

[McDub]

OK I went and measured my clearances.
I have a Mk4 GTI with Eibach springs. It sits about 30mm lower than stock.
The side rails are 115mm at the front and 116mm at the rear.
Front valance is 115mm.
Lowest part below the control arms is 111mm.

* All measured with a builder's standard tape measure.

Ah cool, useful info. I might do the same to my stock height gti this avo. You dont get any rubbing of you front swaybar do you?