Eibach Springs & Anti-Lift/Caster Kit

[Tiggy1]

Hi all. Got a set of Eibach ProKit progressive springs and a set of SuperPro Anti-lift/Caster Bushes for lower rear front suspension arms fitted by Fulcrum yesterday and thought you might be interested in my initial impressions.
To start with was thinking "oh no, what have I done" because initially felt too firm. My intention had been to help with "fidgety" ride over smaller bumps on the crap roads. After driving back home up the range though, I have to say that it does feel very planted and sporty now, with little understeer and very neutral feel. I think the bump absorbption of the smaller bumps and ripples is better too, as even though there is more road feel through the steering wheel, there is no juddering inside the cabin and the bonnet doesn't move when going over bumps. Hit one big pothole with left front which resulted in a chiming sound (spring slap?), but presume this to be result of spring maybe settling slightly in tower after the big hit, or maybe running out of travel. Didn't bounce the car or anything and haven't heard it again since so hopefully the former. Early days yet, but generally pretty happy. Certainly handles great and feels even more secure on the road. Looks pretty good with slight lowering too

[gecko2k]

got pix?

[GaryP]

Way to go Tiggy1...i have d same springs on my tig too...definitely better grip n handling compared to d stock springs...as lower rideheight results in lesser bodyroll...yes stiffer ride at times hence im constantly on normal or comfy mode suspension setting n occasionally sports mode during spirited drive (my Tig comes with DCC/ACC)...
At the moment im thinking of getting the anti-lift kit too by whiteline,and after reading your review..i think i might go for it after all together with the front n rear swaybars...Cheers!!

[Tiggy1]

got pix?

Hi mate, no I didn't think to take one before-hand, but will try and take some this weekend (if it stops raining long enough). Fulcrum measured before and after heights and pretty well spot-on the 30mm lowering all-around that Eibach say.
Cheers

---------- Post added at 03:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 PM ----------

Way to go Tiggy1...i have d same springs on my tig too...definitely better grip n handling compared to d stock springs...as lower rideheight results in lesser bodyroll...yes stiffer ride at times hence im constantly on normal or comfy mode suspension setting n occasionally sports mode during spirited drive (my Tig comes with DCC/ACC)...
At the moment im thinking of getting the anti-lift kit too by whiteline,and after reading your review..i think i might go for it after all together with the front n rear swaybars...Cheers!!

Hi GaryP,
thanks for that. Already handled pretty good before, but goes 'round corners like it's on rails now
Regretting I wasn't able to get one with DCC, but was a run-out sale so only floor stock left. Originally intended getting Koni FSD(Frequency Selective Damping) shocks with springs, but had read a few forums and heard elsewhere that people have had some dramas with them. May look at Koni Yellows (manually adjustable) down the track. I was going to get the Whiteline ALK, but they were unable to supply because they were sorting out a manufacturing issue where there was a line in the casting of the casing that looked like a crack (but was just cosmetic apparently), so I got Fulcrums SuperPro brand ones. They are an off-centre one that replaces orginal bush, rather then the whole control arm bracket assy with offset like the Whiteline (cheaper too!)
Tigga1 has swaybars and reckons they're a good thing, but other than making it oversteer more (which is admittedly more fun), I couldn't see the benefit myself as already sits pretty flat and level in corners IMO. Bit safer for "novice" racing drivers such as myself too

[aussietig]

FWIW, I would recommend just rear sways for less body roll in the Tig.

And yes ... I can vouch for Whiteline's slogan that it's definitely the BBFB mod you can do!

[99Reza]

Tiggy1: How much does the SuperPro Anti-lift/ Caster Bushes cost? Interested on installing one. I agree with you, the Tig feel unsettled over smaller bumps. Cheers.

[Tiggy1]

Tiggy1: How much does the SuperPro Anti-lift/ Caster Bushes cost? Interested on installing one. I agree with you, the Tig feel unsettled over smaller bumps. Cheers.

Hi 99Reza,
it was about $130 (plus fitting) through Fulcrum, but that was with a bit of discount. I think you can get through ebay for about $150 (P/N: SPF3273K), but you will need press or something to remove/replace I believe. Definitely feels more settled and secure, but you will "feel" the road more due to not being as compliant as original rubber ones. Not necessarily a bad thing, but takes a bit of getting used to!
Cheers

---------- Post added at 10:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 AM ----------

FWIW, I would recommend just rear sways for less body roll in the Tig.

And yes ... I can vouch for Whiteline's slogan that it's definitely the BBFB mod you can do!

Hi mate,
hear what you're saying, but wasn't really concerned about body roll - was more to improve ride and handling. May consider the rear swaybar (and links to replace puny factory ones) down the track to improve fun-factor by putting more bias towards oversteer though
On another topic - got some LED replacement bulbs for front park lights (to use as DRL's), but keep getting warning on MFD to "check front sidelight" even though it is working. They are proper ones from Kaizen Motor with resistors and all, but are second set because first ones were to big to fit through hole in front of light. Had to do some twisting and turning to get it back out again and stretched the plastic holder a bit. Bent the terminals back together and new LED is good tight fit but still getting warning - wondering if I need to cancel fault through VAGCOM or something?
Cheers
Now doing it for both sides, so presuming problem with resistance. Have ordered a set from Argo City - cheap as so no hits no runs. At least Kaizen didn't charge me for second set. Bitch of a site to use too - loses a bit in translation I think.
Thanks again

[aussietig]

Hi mate,
hear what you're saying, but wasn't really concerned about body roll - was more to improve ride and handling. May consider the rear swaybar (and links to replace puny factory ones) down the track to improve fun-factor by putting more bias towards oversteer though

On another topic - got some LED replacement bulbs for front park lights (to use as DRL's), but keep getting warning on MFD to "check front sidelight" even though it is working. They are proper ones from Kaizen Motor with resistors and all, but are second set because first ones were to big to fit through hole in front of light. Had to do some twisting and turning to get it back out again and stretched the plastic holder a bit. Bent the terminals back together and new LED is good tight fit but still getting warning - wondering if I need to cancel fault through VAGCOM or something?
Cheers
Now doing it for both sides, so presuming problem with resistance. Have ordered a set from Argo City - cheap as so no hits no runs. At least Kaizen didn't charge me for second set. Bitch of a site to use too - loses a bit in translation I think.
Thanks again

I very much doubt that you'd get a chance to push it enough to oversteer.
Unless you're gonna put your Tig onto a track, or risk it out on the streets.

From experience, the Tig seems to be an absolute PITA when it comes to accepting LED bulbs.
It's definitely very temperamental and requires a bit of trial and error for sure with different "error free" bulbs.
They all work perfectly fine in say the Golfs but not in the Tig.
So I've been stumped as well.

Unfortunately you do need VCDS cable to clear the warning light on your MFD.
But it will just come back again until you put in a pair that's kosher.

But definitely agree with your approach with the parkers. Really don't need expensive ones for them.

[Tiggy1]

I very much doubt that you'd get a chance to push it enough to oversteer.
Unless you're gonna put your Tig onto a track, or risk it out on the streets.

From experience, the Tig seems to be an absolute PITA when it comes to accepting LED bulbs.
It's definitely very temperamental and requires a bit of trial and error for sure with different "error free" bulbs.
They all work perfectly fine in say the Golfs but not in the Tig.
So I've been stumped as well.

Unfortunately you do need VCDS cable to clear the warning light on your MFD.
But it will just come back again until you put in a pair that's kosher.

But definitely agree with your approach with the parkers. Really don't need expensive ones for them.

Hi mate,
yes, you're probably right (about the oversteer) - she sticks like the proverbial to a blanket. Quite a few dirt roads and fire trails to have fun on but, if I dare (and I probably won't)
Yes, looking like I will have to invest in a VCDS connection after all - finicky little buggers (electrically) aren't they!
Cheers

---------- Post added at 09:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 AM ----------

got pix?

Still raining darn-it, but here's one I took in between showers

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff512/bradric/Tiggy1001.jpg

[gecko2k]

Have a look in the VCDS forum, there might be sb in your area who has VCDS, so you don't have to buy it yourself!

I might be also interested in those LEDs, depending on price and how reliable in terms of error codes they are. I'll keep an eye out!

[Tiggy1]

Have a look in the VCDS forum, there might be sb in your area who has VCDS, so you don't have to buy it yourself!

I might be also interested in those LEDs, depending on price and how reliable in terms of error codes they are. I'll keep an eye out!

Hi mate,
good tip (about VCDS) - thanks.
Will let you know how the Argo ones go (ie. if no error codes).
Cheers

[Tigger]

great work tiggy1!

nice to see that the Tig modifying bug is going strong.....

So...what wheels are you going to get???

[Tiggy1]

great work tiggy1!

nice to see that the Tig modifying bug is going strong.....

So...what wheels are you going to get???

Hi mate - yeah, once the bug bites it bites hard.

Funny you should ask, follow this thread:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f97/exchange-18-wheels-17-any-takers-72204.html

Cheers

[HaywireTig]

Hi Tiggy1!
just checking in to see if you still like your anti lift kit on your Tiguan after 2mths of usage. Any squeaky noises in the cabin? Is your ride still within your comfort limits (I assume comfort is a subjective thing), esp with your Eibach lowering springs. I've got H&R lowering springs on mine and thought I check if it'll be too much w the anti lift kit. Also, what size wheels are you running? Do you notice (if there will be) any irregular tyre wear due to a small degree of cast added?

sorry for all these questions, as I was thinking of getting a set for mine. read your first review, but thought I get your feel after you've had them for a couple mths. Thanks!! Nice ride btw!

Any other member's reviews/opinions on the Tig welcomed too! cheers!

[Tiggy1]

Hi Tiggy1!
just checking in to see if you still like your anti lift kit on your Tiguan after 2mths of usage. Any squeaky noises in the cabin? Is your ride still within your comfort limits (I assume comfort is a subjective thing), esp with your Eibach lowering springs. I've got H&R lowering springs on mine and thought I check if it'll be too much w the anti lift kit. Also, what size wheels are you running? Do you notice (if there will be) any irregular tyre wear due to a small degree of cast added?

sorry for all these questions, as I was thinking of getting a set for mine. read your first review, but thought I get your feel after you've had them for a couple mths. Thanks!! Nice ride btw!

Any other member's reviews/opinions on the Tig welcomed too! cheers!

Hi mate,
thanks - like your ride too (especially the front grille treatment). No real increase in cabin NVH from anti-lift kit. Few squeeks and rattles, but more to do with s&*t roads and panel rubbing - got some lithium grease and stick on felt that I'm going to use to try and address with this weekend actually. The ALK has definitely improved the "feel" through steering, and no noticeable increase in tyre wear yet. Biggest downside is the low-speed steering rack rattle over bumps which is now much more noticeable. For this reason I probably wouldn't do it again, but the improvement in handling with the Eibach springs is fantastic. Even ride comfort is improved due to better rates too (original ride was too choppy). Have just ordered a MFSW with paddles to get the best out of improved sportiness.
Just my opinion on ALK, others may have different experiences/opinions so I wouldn't rule it out just based on mine. The steering rattle not a constant thing either, so can definitely put up with it. Hope I've been some help.
Cheers
P.S: wheels are 18" - would probably prefer 17" for a bit more compliance, but is what came on car (run-out sale purchase with them on it)