DIY hydraulic suspension

ok i dont know a great deal about a hydraulic set up... have recently fitted a G.A.S (german airride system) to my mk1 golf. Its brilliant but cost a lot (even secondhand).now started thinking about a DIY hydraulic suspension setup - i was thinking of using a strut from a citroen c5 and the rest of the c5 setup.???? the struts have a shere on top where the gas acts as the shock spring return.Probably going to test on a mk1 golf first.can you buy universal struts and weld brackets etc on where needed - i thought i could weld a bracket to bottom of citroen strut to fit mk1 golf - but maybe the heat will mess up the oil inside?anyone tried a diy setup who could advise?whats the simplest design possible? - oil pump - resovior to hold pressurised oil ? 2 valves (front/back) to deliver oil to struts ?what determines how quick the strut opens/closes? I know you can buy kits but i want to try a cheap diy experiment - if anyone can give me advice id appreciate it.

Hi, I used to be a Citroen mechanic, Ive not worked on C5s but I have worked on the BX, XM and Xantia, all have hydraulic suspension. Im struggling to imagine how you could successfully fabricate the Citroen suspension to fit and work properly! The oil used is LHM and is pressurised with a belt driven pump, there is usually 6 spheres, one on each strut and 2 accumilator spheres, the Citroens hydropneumatic system is also used with the suspension and steering so trying to seperate the system to just a suspension setup will be quite hard. I have had many terrible experiences with this type of suspension and I dont want to put you off trying it but if I were you I would try a completely custom set up, designed and built by yourself, It will probably be alot easier than trying to make Citroen suspension work! I hope this helps dude, good luck and let me know how you get on. Cheers, Paul.

proper Juice setups use modified Tipper pumps, but a normal tipper pump would be the 1st step. then I'd pay rayvern for rams for your car. some things are best not scrimped on.

^^^ what he said (the clue is in our names - www.unitylowrider.co.uk we're both seasoned members of the UK's premier lowrider car club with probably 30yrs hydraulic suspension knowledge between us !

i wouldn't even entertain making my own system as i've seen so many struggle to get not good results, its cheaper and less aggro to buy a system designed for your car, dont believe there is a one kit fits all, thats a sales line to sell you the basics !

Rayvern hydraulics would be my first port of call for a UK system then look to the USA (black magic, Showtime, Reds, Art of Noize) for a US kit but you'll need to get your strutts modified, Rayvern will probably do exchange units.

Go for it mate. Looks like there's some lads here who could help you out.