New suspension for my GTI Rivage

Hello!



I am looking towards a bigger job on my beloved mk1 .

I am always trying to do everything properly.

I own my mk1 Rivage, but I picked it up with a Sportsline interioius and the BBS wheels on it. So it is not totally original anymore.

I am in need of a new suspension, because the old one is pretty worn out. I am just wondering if there is anything a bit more modern (a bit stiffer) out there which is a good match for my car? I am not looking to lower my car until it scrapes on the road… I don't mind it to be a little bit lower, but I don't want it to be obvious. I am just looking to improve the ride and make it feel fresh again. Which brands could I go for? Would you guys do it that way or try to keep it original?
I am not really looking to replace the parts with worn old parts of other cars… I really would like the suspension to be fresh and stiff .

I will be replacing the track rod ends as well, as there is one original one on it, and it has got no adjustment on it. So for my front toe adjustment I always need to unbolt the shock… Has anyone got a source where I can get the Meyle track rod ends?

If the track rod is not faulty why replace it?
I don't see why you have to undo your shock to adjust the tracking, that will just upset the camber angle?
Any good garage should be able to adjust the tracking with just the one side…
If you do want to replace the track rod then you can get the bit's here but you will need to unscrew the fixed track rod from the steering rack and make sure you measure the length of where you refix the new track rod, the measurements are in the Haynes manual.
https://www.vwheritage.com/shop/golf-mk1/steering/rack-tie-rods-rod-ends/

This is a good kit and seems to get good reviews.
You will need to fit shorter bump stops if lowering the car or you may find you are riding about on the bump stops

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eibach-Lowering-Springs-Bilstein-Gas-Shocks-Bumpstop-Kit-Golf-Mk1-/231605051979

You can buy the kit or bits of it in lots of places, this is the 1st one I found.
 

Hi I have the same kit on my gti cab and I think it's really good, and I have tried others and coil overs and went to these, I also paid more than that so good deal.

Hi,

I went with H&R Cup Comfort, lower than original ride height but ride is still good, not too firm.  They do a range of kits tailored to your car by front an rear axel weights.
Take a look at http://www.h-r.com/en/cup-kits.html.

You'll also need to replace the bushes at the rear as they wear . . .

HTH

Paul;
 

Sorry for my late reply!

Thank you for your help, I really like this forum, as it is hard to get decent information online sometimes.

mark1gls said

If the track rod is not faulty why replace it?
I don't see why you have to undo your shock to adjust the tracking, that will just upset the camber angle?
Any good garage should be able to adjust the tracking with just the one side…

Well the reason why I want to replace them, is that I feel that the steering is not as accurate as it should be. I drove a very similar car, and the steering felt more precise.

The tracking is not a problem, I have got access to  Hunter Wheel alignment machine, so I believe that this is one of the better gear out there for alignments? That is all I have ever used on my own cars, I tend to align them myself… (I used to be a manager of a big brand not so well liked garage in the UK… ).

I will have a look into your suggestions Something has to happen very soon though, my top mount is driving me mad