GTi Cabby Suspension

Hi, I've recently bought an 88 GTi Cab which had been lowered by the previous owner. The ride is very hard, and the rear arches rub the tyres when there's any significant weight in the back, ie. the kids, etc!
If this link works you'll see the set-up… http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l633/miniboy27/Mk1%20Golf%20GTi/gti1.jpg

Great car, I absolutely love it, but I'd like to 'soften the ride' a little, and I've been advised by a mechanic friend of mine to maybe restore it back to standard ride height?

Before I do anything I'd really appreciate the thoughts & advice of you forum experts, including where might be the best place(s) to source new springs, etc.
Thanks in advance. Frank

I'd agree with the mechanic

Thanks Paul

Is it on coilovers? you will be able to raise height which should allow better damping

Unfortunately not. They're non-adjustable springs.

Best bet is to stick a wanted ad on the forum bud if your after stock springs or lower pro tyres will sort the rubbing (wont help soften the ride mind)

Cheers Jinsta, appreciate your help.

If you want to retain a "Sporty" ride you could buy a set of coilovers and set the ride height at a sensible level.
The more you pay, the better the damping qualities, though coilovers in general tend to be harsh.

Other than that, I'd go for a fixed height sports kit with maybe a 30 to 40mm drop. Your car looks to have a fair bit more than that at the moment.
Again, the more you pay, the better the ride is likely to be.

What sort of money are you prepared to spend?

I have the same problem with mine stoney.
It was really low when i bought it on some silly cheap G&S springs.
I have since put some eibach springs on her with raised the height so it is now approx lowered by 30mm.
Problem is its now too bouncy on the springs as i think the dampers are pretty shot.
i have been told that gas shocks are the way to go.  i have had a quote for £125 for all corners for these which is pretty good and am going to buy and fit really soon.
Hopeful that it will transform the ride which is poor at the moment.
I figured i would get the summer out of it and then garage her for the winter and do the work.
Cracking weather for a cabby the last few days eh? ;-)

Nice looking car by the way!
I want some of those wheels, let me know if you ever decide to change em ;-)

Thanks Al, I'll see what I can find on the coilover and sports kit scenarios. A bit of a minefield I'm thinking, so a few more late ones in the company of Mr Google and his mates!  Cheers, Frank

Hey j-man, good to see I'm not alone! I'm assuming the gas shocks are £125 a corner, not for the set of 4?!! Good luck with your fit, let me know how it goes.

As for the wheels, I wasn't sure on them at first, was going to p/x them with a local alloy guy. Glad I didn't now cos they really get some attention. They've grown on me, but should I change my mind you'll be first to know! Enjoy the sunshine! Frank

Hi mate,
No £125 was for all 4!
I will obviously need the other sundries too such as new bump stops and top mounts etc but even still.
I was quoted £191 elsewhere for the same thing.
Last day with the top down today before she goes away for the winter :-(

Couple of fixed options for you:

Weitec
Bilstein
H&R Cup
SPAX (Adjustable damping)



Or coilovers:

Budget Coilovers
Weitec Hicon (Full coilover front / three stage adjustable platform rear)
AP
Spax fully adjustable


Should give you an idea of what is out there!

Plenty of food for thought there, thanks both very much.
J-man, enjoy your final day It'll be spring before you know it!
Al, really appreciate the links. Will be checking those out further later on.
Have a great weekend guys.
Frank

Interesting stuff in this thread.  I was actually going to post up a few questions about suspension before I came across this. I would like to lower my car a bit to firm up the ride as its standard at the moment and its no way as sharp around the corners as I'd like.  I'm not too bothered about the "slammed" look, my priority is handling as opposed to aesthetics, so I'm looking more seriously at the spring/shock route rather than coilovers.  I'll add my thanks for those links - gives me something to think about!

Good luck Andy, be interesting to know what route you take!

Hi,

I have used both Spax RSX coilovers and Koni lowered fixed shocks the Spax setup was great but not sure if its worth the extra money unless you plan on adjusting it for different uses. Assuming you are running 15" wheels you may well be better of just using a fixed lowering system that will keep the look but stop the wheels rubbing.

Have you checked the hight vs standard yet? just so you know what kit will work best.

I'm leaning towards fixed height I think as, after all, I'm for a comfortable ride combined with a slightly lowered look. Thanks for the advice.

Sorry to say this dude, but the rubbing issue will be more to do with the rims/ tyres your running.

Personally I don't think your car will look right at standard ride!

To sort out the rubbing you will prob need to look at mods to the return lips on the back end, wide rims and stock arches just dont work…

Mine are a bit tweeked to say the least, but well worth the effort, no rubbing!

Good luck dude