Suspension help pleaassseeyy!

Fella's - I posted a topic last week re changing the suspension on my mk1.  I've just bought some original mk1 gti shocks that are fitted with lowering springs for my 82 mk1 gl, I was told that they would be a straight swap so I was going to have a bash that fitting them myself, but after hearing so many different things about what I need to do, it might not be a good idea! I've been told that I can use the top mounts off my car but then I have also heard that I should get new ones????  :dontknow:

Anyway, long or short of it, the garages near me are con artists so dont fancy getting stitched by one - what I was wondering is, if there is anyone in Surrey who could lend me themselves for what I am told is a 1 hour job to change it all over - I'll pay and provide endless tea and biscuits!
 
Cheers

Top mounts are quite cheap and make a world of difference when new, so well worth doing while your struts are off.

As for an hours job - If all goes well, maybe, though bear in mind that the rear lower bolt has a tendancy to seize inside the mount sleeve. If yours have not been out for a while, they may need cutting out meaning you will need new ones and your 1 hour job will become much longer, depending on what tools you have at your disposal!

Get Febi top mounts, as GSF ones only last a couple of months!

www.vwspares.co.uk do them nice and cheap.

You'll need spring compressors to do the front shocks and you'll also need to get the camber and tracking done after you've put the front back together.

The rear is easy if that bolt isn't seized (a new set of these nuts and bolts cost under a fiver from VW). I've been lucky and never had a bad one.
You dont even need spring compressors for the rear, but there is still a bit of tension in the spring when you are undoing the top nut so be carefull it doesnt fly off somewhere and do any damage.

Ross said

GSF ones only last a couple of months!

Mine lasted until I lowered the jack. As said, make sure they are Febi.

where about in surrey are you?

I'm in Dorking and may well be able to help you out

PM me if you like to arrange details.

pm'd mate

Grease the hell out of the rear bolts inside the sleeve when you put them back in / replace them. Save you (or the next person who has the car) a world of pain later down the line...

cheers