jimbo 0 Posted November 9, 2003 Hi, What suspension height does everyone recommend. I currently have a 60mm drop but dont like it after knocking the exhaust off the first day I had it. I have 2 options :- 1. I reckon I could get some 30mm lowering springs and just change those as the rear of the car seems at a reasonable height. Is this OK or do I need the rear adjusting as well? 2. Should I go back to standard ride height? This would require buying standard springs. Cheers, James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahl 4 Posted November 9, 2003 (edited) I reckon 30mm lower springs rather than standard. Bilstein do some excellent dual progressive springs for about £70, but you can get similar springs from Skip Brown that are at least as good apparently and cheaper. More importantly, what are the dampers like? If they're old at all then you'll benefit from sticking on even OE (but gas pressure) bilstein shocks. It wont cost much more than £200 to do the whole lot. *edit* Adi's advice in this topic is very interesting regarding ride height front & rear and how it effects handling/roadholding. He recommends the rear being slightly higher than the front. Suspension topic Edited November 9, 2003 by Ahl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo 0 Posted November 9, 2003 Think I am going to opt for the Bilstein Streetline kit as it comes recommended on this site - you also get a full set up for a tad over £200. Anyone tell me which tools are required to split the front suspension, ie. how do i remove the springs from the dampers (take off the top mounting)? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Adi 0 Posted November 9, 2003 He recommends the rear being slightly higher than the front I honestly can't remember mentioning the height of the rear......the roll stiffness being higher at the rear.....but not the trim height. There has been a lot of rubbish been spread about the rear trim height being best 10-15mm above that of the front. But I have always strongly disagreed with this. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo 0 Posted November 10, 2003 I dont currently know the drop at the rear of the car. I know the front is dropped 60mm (too much). Is there any way I can measure how much the rear is dropped? I am reconning that it looks higher than the front so am assuming the torsion bar has been moved only one spline. Therefore, I should be able to slap on this Bilstein Streetline kit I have just ordered without messing with the torsion bar. Please tell me if I am wrong. How hard is it to put the Streetline kit on the car. Any special tools needed? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,000 Posted November 10, 2003 You'll need some spring compressors, but that's about it for the special tools - the rest is just your normal sockets, spanners etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo 0 Posted November 10, 2003 I did the suspension on my mates R5 GTT and you had to hold the top of the shocker (front) with an allen key while undoing a big very tight nut with a ring spanner. We failed!! Is it the same set up with the 205?? Cheers, James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ahl 4 Posted November 10, 2003 (edited) Sorry Adi, I don't know where I got that from. The top of the struts sound the same as the R5 ones. Sticking the spring compressors on will take the pressure off the top mounts (and stop the spring smashing you in the face) when you undo them. The allen key hole is a funny size if I remember rightly, and the nut is pretty big too. Btw, you can get the streetline kit for about £180 from motorsportworld.com, but I strongly recommend you get the dual progressive springs from Skip Brown Cars too. About £60 I think. Then you can sell the Bilstein Terra springs that come with the streetline kit and make some money back. I ordered it all seperately, shocks and eibach springs, and paid about £250. Edited November 10, 2003 by Ahl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wurzel 16 Posted November 10, 2003 According to Haynes, the rear ride height for the GTi is between 420 and 434 mm. This measurement is taken from the underside of the boot floor adjacent to the rear beam rubber mount to the floor. Standard front spring free length is 335mm hth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo 0 Posted November 11, 2003 Thanks for that Nick. Can anyone tell me the tools required to change the front struts and a rough guide on how to do it, Best REgards, James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wurzel 16 Posted November 11, 2003 The tools required aren't that comprehensive really. As was said, the only specialist tool is the spring compressors. There are probably many ways of doing this but here goes a 'quick' guide. I removed the strut totally at first which meant undoing the pinch bolt at the back of the hub where the suspension strud slots into. Remove this bolt completely and use a large screwdriver or preferably a chisel to slightly wedge open the slot a bit more. Hammer the hub carrier off the strut being careful not to let it flop all over the place when it comes off. It still being attached to the lower wishbone will stop it falling off completely and pulling the drive shaft out of the gearbox. Remove the three small nuts from under the bonnet and remove the strut. Compress the springs carefully and evenly. You will need a deep reach ring spanner to go over the large piston nut in top centre. At the same time use a socket allen key to hold the piston stopping it from turning. Remove the nut and take off the top mount keeping it in order for reassembly. Remove the spring and carefully and evenly release the tension. Refit is a reversal really. Just make sure the new springs are seated correctly on the strut platform and you can't go wrong. A bit rushed I'm afraid but I've got to get back to work and play with missiles Somebody else will fill you in with the gaps no doubt until I get back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo 0 Posted November 11, 2003 Cheers Nick, Do the driveshafts actually have to come out and if so does oil go everywhere? Any idea on the size of the ring spanner and allen key as I will probable have to invest in them, Thanks a lot for everyones help, James Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anthony 1,000 Posted November 11, 2003 No, you do not need to remove the driveshafts. And if you do accidentally pull the driveshaft out of the diff, oil will indeed go everywhere.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Super Josh Posted November 11, 2003 Ahl Posted on Nov 10 2003, 04:35 PM but I strongly recommend you get the dual progressive springs from Skip Brown Cars too. About £60 I think. The springs from SBC are dual rate(that's how they get the lowered ride height) but aren't progressive, just linear. Josh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wurzel 16 Posted November 11, 2003 This is the type of ring spanner you will need. It's a 22mm in my case but you'd be better off getting a set as I have found them invaluable. The same goes with the socket allen key set. You will need a size 6 though if you want to buy them singularly. hth Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
