MK4 Suspension

[Tiki]

I will be putting on my springs and shocks soon. Anyone do it b4? is it hard? ive read the DIY's on vortex and it doesn't look too bad. But all i have is a jack and stands......

Second option would be to just take it to tune dub. but thats $350 i don't NEED to spend, and could save for Wutsefest

Third option is if anyone wants to do it on the side??
Any tips would help thanks!

[Kane]

Re: MK4 Suspension

I did mine at the shop i work at so i had all my tools there. But I started at 7:30 and had everything adjusted(coilovers) and back on the road by 12. Its not hard. People say to use the spilter tool for the bottom of the struts for the front but i used a chisel and hammer and wedged it and it worked good. For the rear to get the springs out i just had my 350 Pound buddy step on the trailing arm and they came out.

It isn't a hard task just make sure you have the necessary tools and it will be a quick simple task. Can't remember the exact sizes of all the tools i used.

Kane

[eldo]

Re: MK4 Suspension

it's not really a difficult job,.. but can be time consuming.
the rears are really straightforward / easy.
you'll need a spreader-tool for the fronts, along with a spring compressor. there are a few ways to get the struts out... everyone seems to have their own preference in how to do it.
otherwise, i'm sure the DIY that you saw on the vortex will guide your way.

[VW337]

Re: MK4 Suspension

Instead of the spreader tool I used a 1/4" ratchet extension and it worked way better. I also had to use a spring compressor to get the front passenger side spring/strut out. Overall it wasn't very hard to do but like Kane said, make sure you have the right tools.

[stefan]

Re: MK4 Suspension

do front right first, and then the rest will seem much easier.

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

sweet well it's worth a try! ill make sure i have the whole day to do it

[Compton]

Re: MK4 Suspension

you will fucking love it lowered!

[vee_dubbin]

Re: MK4 Suspension

Instead of the spreader tool I used a 1/4" ratchet extension and it worked way better.

I was just about to suggest the 1/4 extension.....and you beat me too it...haha
This is the best way though. No ****** around with hammers and chisels.

[calgarydub]

Re: MK4 Suspension

you will fucking love it lowered!

How much lower will it be?

I'm slammed on Konis and its not enough :(

I have the spreader tool from concept-1 cost like $5 or $10 I think.
When I installed my coils i never needed the clamp or anything, but I think that's because I also replaced the bushings and strut mounts. ?

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

2 inches, i dont want it too slammed. im running fairly beefy tires and my votex bumper is going to be too low as it is

[stefan]

Re: MK4 Suspension

No ****** around with hammers and chisels.

you will fucking love it lowered!

I so don't understand the swear filter on here...

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

haha i noticed that too

[calgarydub]

Re: MK4 Suspension

Really? What springs lower 2 inches thats pretty good?

[dubCanuck1]

Re: MK4 Suspension

I just did mine today. They can be a *****, just so you don't feel over confident.

In my case, there was a fair amount of corrosion on the bearing housing (quebec car originally) and the spreader tool worked OK for the passenger side, but not so much for the driver's side. the slot where the spreader tool goes was worn. The 1/4" reducer worked to get the old strut out when I put it in from the bottom of the "slot".

To put it back in....that was a lot more fuss. After realizing that the housing wasn't spreading as much as I'd hoped, I grabbed one of my wife's forks and put it in the slot with the spreader. that gave it enough room to do what I wanted.

There's a tool in the Vortex fabrication forum that, if you could get fabricated, would help you out and eliminate the need for a spring compressor when putting the struts back in.

I'll be doing the rears this week or next weekend. I anticipate they'll be much easier to do. I've done the fronts twice and they were a pain both times on this car.

If you've got a wire hand brush (like from Princess auto), I'd recommend running into through the bearing housing a few times to clear out the crud.

Anyone use antiseize on the strut housing to act as a lubricant and make removal easier? I was thinking about that as I was patching myself up tonight.

[Tiki]

Re: MK4 Suspension

doing this as week speak and tomorrow. i have the front left off but the front right i can only move down a bit. how did you use the 1/4 extention? wedge it in the back where the bolt goes?