Wagon lowering experiences?

[okisub]

Hey all. We've had our TDI wagon for a few weeks now and the modding bug is already biting at me

I know this car is never going to handle like my old one (an MX5) but I'd really like to firm up the ride a little and get it sitting a bit flatter. It's also starting to look a bit like a 4wd so it really needs to drop an inch or 2.

I guess my question is has anyone tried changing just the springs and keeping the original shocks? If so what was the ride like on Aus roads?

I'm finding it hard to find an honest opinion reading over at vwvortex -trying to filter the Euro ricers from the guy's who really enjoy driving.

[RF 4MOTION]

I changed the springs in my 08 4Motion wagon. I had the factory sports suspension and changed it to H&R springs keeping the factory struts. Rides great on the Audi RS4 19's, I just had to do a small rear bumper mod to stop slight rubbing.

[gead]

i don't suppose you have a part number on those H&R springs do you?

[okisub]

I changed the springs in my 08 4Motion wagon. I had the factory sports suspension and changed it to H&R springs keeping the factory struts. Rides great on the Audi RS4 19's, I just had to do a small rear bumper mod to stop slight rubbing.

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. Although in my case I'm starting off with the standard suspension... You don't happen to have a pic of how its sitting on the H&R springs and the stock shocks?

[RF 4MOTION]

The part number for the springs is 54760-6, it does state on the box 4Motion V6. Milan at TCCA Motorsport in Sydney helped me with the springs, I am sure your car requires a different model spring kit, give him a call.

[gead]

thanks mate!

[RF 4MOTION]

I have posted pics on my Passat modifications online at www.photobucket.com/rf4motion

[Umai Naa!!]

Give Whiteline Suspension in Sydney a call. We get their old Passat wagon demo in from time to time for servicing. It's running Bilsteins in the rear, with Whiteline swaybars, and a re-adjusted front crossmember for extra positive castor. It looks as though they've done other things to it in the past, as well.

It probably handles almost on par with an R36.

[R36]

Hey all. We've had our TDI wagon for a few weeks now and the modding bug is already biting at me

I know this car is never going to handle like my old one (an MX5) but I'd really like to firm up the ride a little and get it sitting a bit flatter. It's also starting to look a bit like a 4wd so it really needs to drop an inch or 2.

I guess my question is has anyone tried changing just the springs and keeping the original shocks? If so what was the ride like on Aus roads?

I'm finding it hard to find an honest opinion reading over at vwvortex -trying to filter the Euro ricers from the guy's who really enjoy driving.

My R36 couldn't even make it up the driveway without scraping, so I got some King springs custom made to fix the problem - raised 15mm from R36 ride height (or 10mm lower than standard Passat). I still have an as new front pair of King springs with the standard R36 spring rates which I found too soft at this height and uprated. Make me an offer if you are interested.

Phil (0434) 667 410

[gead]

how does it look now? much difference in handling ?

[RF 4MOTION]

I thought we were talking about lowering the car......not raising it.
I went from factory sports suspension (15mm lower) and 18's but when I put 19's on it looked like a 4WD. The H&R's lowered the car another 25mm, sure you have to be careful where you drive, driveways and gutters etc. The handling is fantastic, pity about the seats in the V6.....Anyone want to offload their R36 interior?

[R36]

how does it look now? much difference in handling ?

It looks the same as a standard V6 with the optional VW sports suspension and 18" wheels (mine lowered 10mm v 15mm). The springs have been uprated by about 30%-40% and it handles noticeably better than the VW sports option, which I tested prior to getting the springs custom made. However, on smooth roads at the limit, it probably doesn't handle as well as a regular R36. Note that it was a necessary evil (I usually lower my cars) because it couldn't even get up my driveway and I didn't want to park on the street (I even tried to modify the driveway but even that didn't work)!

[Rocket36]

damn! must be a weird driveway!

[R36]

The driveway is a bit steep like many driveways in Brisbane - but the R36 also scraped the front bumper at many other places around town in the first few weeks before getting the new springs.

[gead]

i have the opposite experience, coming from the sti liberty, the r36 feels like its on stilts...the lib would scrape everywhere, thankfully the front lip was flexible, but it made the worst noise will be getting h&r springs when the exhaust goes on....my only problem then will be the high bluestone kerbs i get in my area....