Suggestions for new suspension?

[lemmiwinks]

Hi there,

I've got an 09 T5 2.5 that I use to lug timber around daily. But when I have a van full of timber, the mudflaps scrape the road on normal roads and minor dips.

So what I'm looking for is a new set of springs or coil overs. What are my options? And where can I purchase it from in Aus?

Thanks

[team_v]

Talk to Gti Dave.
He gets H&R and Blistein bits in.

Great bloke and vw enthusiast to boot.
He's in melbourne so nice and close too.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/member.php?u=9047

[lemmiwinks]

Thanks mate! Just sent him a PM. Are there any other T5 owners out there that have been in a similar situation as me? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[BrianJ]

I assume you want a stronger spring rate, otherwise you can easily raise the back of the van with 15mm spacers at the tops of the springs.

You can get them from pedders to suit commodores.

Brian

[4wheels]

King springs from Pedders for the rear (I got mine in Ferntree Gully). About 30 - 40mm raise, and a bit firmer. Good value at $350 fitted. On my Trakkadu camper, they said they were just restoring 'empty' ride height, so wouldn't stress the CV joints (mine being 4Motion, you need to worry about rear CV's).

Alternatively, talk to Boris at Volkscare (9729 9281). He's just done a more substantial lift on his father's T5.

Brian R.

(Boris is in Boronia; also VW enthusiast and outback traveller. Active Volkswagen Club member as well. Tell him I sent you)

[Transporter]

I had the same problem and I've solved it with the raised
King Springs and Pedders H/D rear shockers. The ride is just nice, not too hard not too soft. Total lift aprox. 50mm.

More in this thread

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showpost.php?p=439571&postcount=14

[lemmiwinks]

Thank you for the replies.

Are there any springs out there that are a little stiffer and don't raise the van any higher? I don't want to raise it 50mm as I have a conduit pipe on the top of my van and park in a garage.

(only 20mm clearance between the top of my pipe and garage lintel)

[gregozedobe]

Have you investigated the air-assist type bladders that go inside the springs ? You can vary the air pressure according to how heavy a load you are carrying ?

If you want to spend (quite a bit ) more money you can probably get proper air springs which replace the steel coils completely. I had these fittted to an off-road camper trailer and they were very useful for variable loads and adjustable ground clearance (just watch out for air leaks and keep the left side separate from the right to help avoid excessive roll).

[MultiplexMan]

There are several air ride kits locally available. I checked out a couple ambulances that were kitted out with air springs (bags and one with air bag helpers).

You can buy full replacement kits (bags in all corners) or helpers (bags inside rear coils).

Cost varies if you want in cab adjustment, on board air,...etc.

Very nice ride in the couple I tried...

[Tornado T5]

In my previous T4 I had the Polyair inserts that are presurised and assist with rear sag when heavily loaded. I could then release some air when unloaded to bring the ride height back to level. In my T5 I went for the King springs because I knew I would carry heavier loads almost always in the rear area behind a second row seat. They have obviously raised the van although I don't have a clearance issue apart from CBD/shopping centre carparks. Having tried both I'd favour the permanent solution of the replacement springs as I don't need to keep changing the pressure and the springs can't get damaged the way the air bag inserts might. I think the springs handle very heavy loads better then the polyairs. With either option I can place a full 1000Lt IBC tank centred over the rear axle line using a forklift and although still have some rear end sag, mud flaps stay well clear of the ground when driving and I can still tow, use the trailer jockey wheel when fully loaded and also remove the spare tyre without needing to unload the van. I'd check about springs which could help without the overall rear height increase otherwise your only option will be the inserts.

[Transporter]

It is probably worthwhile to find out how much (little) will Pedders Heavy Duty coil springs P/N 7891 lift the van at the rear.