Mk5 Golf 2.0TDI DSG - spring, damper, sway bar, ? raise height with Tiguan suspension

[Bushranger]

Hi Everyone, I need some suspension advice, possibly raising the suspension as long as it does not become a wallowing boat-like SUV.

Mk5 Golf 2.0TDI DSG ESC - upgrade suspension to provide better than TDI springs - front are 2 pink, 2 white dots, rear are 1 white stripe (whatever spring rate that is). I like that the TDI suspension is stiffer and lower than standard petrol Golfs not as low as GTI.

Driving style is fun, but safe. Local driving with regular trips South, North, West on all sorts of roads. A stiff race/track-like setup is unsuitable. About 5kms on unsealed road when out west. I don’t want to lower the car & parents are getting older.

Springs-Dampers:
* Is there a ~50mm LIFT KIT for the Golf with springs/dampers - OEM or aftermarket?
*Will TIGUAN springs/dampers fit my Mk5? (tdiclub forum)

Do Tiguans handle well, and are their springs worth considering?

Sway Bars
I have a choice between OEM units from a GTI & Golf R/Audi 8P Quattro. I was thinking the same thing with springs & dampers (shocks) with either higher (Tiguan) springs or something no shorter than OEM TDI. After springs/dampers/sways are sorted, then towbar/harness, and Bluefin Superchips is on the list

Thanks for any insight and shared experience regarding LIFT - Springs - Dampers & Sways.

[Bushranger]

Good morning, and "BUMP"

[Umai Naa!!]

You could try Passat springs in it.

They're a heavier car, but the springs should fit a Golf strut.

[Bushranger]

which series Passat?

You could try Passat springs in it. They're a heavier car, but the springs should fit a Golf strut.

Thanks, any clue as to which series, spring ratings?

I met someone today that mentioned Tiguan springs & shocks are "plug and play" for the Golf, but as Tiggy is 4-motion, rear springs may be stiff and higher set than the front once on a golf, i think legislation requires equal measure front & rear. Regarding Tiguan, i don't know which series, nor if they have different spring rates.

[Umai Naa!!]

B6 Passat, so '05 to '10.

Tiguan is a bit tricky, as the struts have spacers on top of Golf/Passat parts to gain ground clearance.

No idea on spring rates, but I'd probably look to diesel stuff, with matching shocks.

[gldgti]

why do you want to raise it? you will certainly start to compromise stability and geometry if you change the height by more than about 25mm (in either direction) without other modifications.

You might consider running a slightly taller profile tyre.

I used to run a 235/45/17 on my octavia (stock size was 225/45/17) which improved the ride quite a lot.

If you are running 16's, you could go from a 55 series to a 60 series and keep the same width.

my allroad, engineered by audi at a huge cost no doubt, to go from sportwagen height to 65mm above that (200mm ground clearance) on the air suspension, definitely rolls around a lot more when its up high and audi built in speed dependent ride height control to ensure you can only go fast if you are correspondingly low enough to maintain stability.

I have a mk5 TDI and of all the cars I've ever had, I think it has the best stock suspension. Its remarkably compliant and comfortable, and yet the handling is still quite reasonable.... if you already appreciate its qualities, it might be better to keep it that way?

[Bushranger]

Umai Naa!!, thanks.

gldgti, if i don't maintain the TDI height, a small lift for country roads, also aging infirm parents. Currently rolling on 234/45 R17, whereas legal maximum is 215/50 R17. I inspected an all-road yesterday and was suitably impressed. It is good to learn more about it from your post. If a rise for my TDI is not to happen, then "Yes", renewing the springs & dampers (shocks) will be worth it. Although which springs & dampers brand (if there is better than OEM) is the question. Cheers