MK1 suspension advice needed please

Hi all,

10 years after last undertaking any mechanical work on a car (used to be mini-mad) and after a couple of mark 2 and 3 golfs i've finally bought myself a G reg Clipper - something i've wanted for years and i don't ever plan to sell it. Its currently in the garage for some bits and bobs but to save myself some money I need to change the suspension and front discs and pads myself. The car has been lowered and is currently on 17inch wheels but the springs on all corners were advisories on the last MOT and my mate in the garage has said it does feel a bit soft.

Therefore my question is what suspension kit should I get and what else do I need to buy to replace these bits. I'll follow a combination of the Haynes MK1 and Bentley manuals and will do it but I need an explanation in lay-mans terms. Will the kit have everything I need or do I need other bolts or rubber bits to replace those coming off? If someone could give me a list so that I can buy it all and do it without another visit to an online parts shop that would be great. Also how low should the kit be given the 17inch wheels. Hopefully I've got all the tools already so that shouldn't be a problem.

I dont want to spend more than a couple of hundred so are these ebay options suitable:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAMEX-Coilover-Suspension-Lowering-Kit-VW-Golf-1-Mk1-/330454158978?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cf09a4e82
or
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/JAMEX-Coilover-Suspension-Lowering-Kit-VW-Golf-1-Mk1-/330454158978cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cf09a4e82

I'll probably ebay discs and pads as well but don't forsee any problems with doing these. thanks in advance for any advice.

17" wheels  8O Surprised they're ok without rubbing. Got 15 x 7s on mine with 40mm drop and just enough clearance for everyday use without fouling the bodywork. Are you sure yours is definitely lowered???

I only bought it on sunday but drove it 60miles without rubbing. That said I had to replace the two rear tyres with 205/40/17s and they looked like they had been catching at some point. I think it has been lowered as the car does look low but maybe it is just the look of the larger wheels? Is there a way of finding out? If its not maybe I go for an adjustable kit but leave it at full height?

There are some images of the car at the link below. To be honest i'm no boy racer and dont really like the big wheels. Money means they will have to be changed to standard wheels at a later date but the suspension needs doing now.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?VISuperSize&item=250672699154

i'd recommend the boge set up for budget. oem too

wooders said

i'd recommend the boge set up for budget. oem too

I have some VERY young Boge springs in the for sale section  :wink:

This is a mk1 technical question therefore it should be in the relevant section.  I have now moved it for you.

DubPartz said

wooders said

i'd recommend the boge set up for budget. oem too

I have some VERY young Boge springs in the for sale section  :wink:

thanks, i did have a look but i'm after the whole kit

Thanks for the replies so far. I've now worked out that the car has not been lowered but its denfintely soft. I was thinking of installing JOM coilovers with new top mounts. There is currently about 25mm clearance on the front wheels but the JOM minimum drop is 25mm. So question now is will the springs and dampers have sunk very much if they are original. Does anyone think i'll get away with it or will they be rubbing?

non gti's are 25 mm, or thereabouts, higher than a gti and all aftermarket suspension drops relate to the gti unless it says "non-gti" next to it.  This means a 25mm drop to a gti is a 50mm drop to a non-gti.

Not sure if the clipper ran gti ride height?

Jon.

"Crowson_punk" said

non gti's are 25 mm, or thereabouts, higher than a gti and all aftermarket suspension drops relate to the gti unless it says "non-gti" next to it.  This means a 25mm drop to a gti is a 50mm drop to a non-gti.

Not sure if the clipper ran gti ride height?

Jon.

I can't comment on the cheap coilovers as haven't tried them but I just changed my Shocks for the Boge Gas jobbies and some 20mm lowering springs from gsf along with Topmount kits it was cheap and easy to do and has made a world of difference and strangley sits a little higher than before but I guess my springs where shot. The ride is so much better. I cant Imagine the Coilovers will be very soft for our roads.

Oops. just read your last post :redfaced:

did you get the JOM Coilovers fitted yet? Im pricing up for a possible project in the next few weeks, intrigued as to the quality of the slightly cheaper kits around.  :dontknow:

got them off ebay for £205 delivered. They fit a treat and i'm happy with build quality. Easily adjustable. I had them wound up fully as I had 17s on the car - it was rock solid, in fact so much that I felt the rear dampers might fly through the body over speed bumps. I'm sure the car was leaving the ground! Now i've got rid of the stupid wheels and got some BBS RAs on it i've lowered it and its softer and a lovely ride. New dampers and decent wheels have completely altered the ride. 5 stars from me.

Glad all is good  :mrgreen: seen a lot of people using hot tuning but not entirely convinced by coilovers for £150, heard the odd bad thing and has kinds put me off them a bit. Sure your experiences will come in handy  :wink: