Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

[nismodrifter]

Alright the time has come......this diesel is sittin way too high and the 15" Avus aren't going to cut it anymore.

I am planning on purchasing some (wont say what kind of wheel yet..thats secret) 18 x 8.5 wheels and am also planning on lowering using the FK Hightec 35/40 kit.

Questions:
- Tire size: is the correct tire size for 18x8.5 et35 wheels 225/40/18?

- Will there be any issues to worry about with the wheels? ie serious rubbing or anything of that sort? I can understand rubbing at full lock situations in parkign lots etc. but I don't want to be rubbing regularly during day to day driving

- Hightec 35/40kit (full pkg with shocks): are any other mods REQUIRED for this kit to be installed? ie sway bars or anything? I am currently under the assumpton that further mods are required only when going past the 1.5-1.7" mark and that the 35/40 kit will be a straight install.

- Is there anyone on this board with 18's and a 35/40 drop on an mk4 jetta? If so I'd really like to see it in person (next meet or even pics would suffice). I've only seen a couple of pics of jettas dropped on 18's using the hightek kit and the car looks 100x better...just want to get an idea of what its like in real life before going ahead

- Wheel alignment: A 4-wheel alignment will be required after lowering the car right? Where is the best/cheapest place to get this done.

Any more info/suggestions would be appreciated. I basically want to be blingin while still maintaining regular "drivability" for day to day travel as I dont want to be cracking oil pans all over the place.


Thx

[Kor]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

I am planning on purchasing some (wont say what kind of wheel yet..thats secret) 18 x 8.5 wheels and am also planning on lowering using the FK Hightec 35/40 kit.

Please don't say Supermesh

- Will there be any issues to worry about with the wheels? ie serious rubbing or anything of that sort? I can understand rubbing at full lock situations in parkign lots etc. but I don't want to be rubbing regularly during day to day driving

I run 19x8.5's on that same suspension with no stretch and have no regular rubbing issues with 1-2 people in the car. With people in the back, I think I might rub a bit on big bumps but only at high speeds.

If you are really concerned, just put a little stretch on the tires, it will give you some extra clearance.

- Hightec 35/40kit (full pkg with shocks): are any other mods REQUIRED for this kit to be installed? ie sway bars or anything? I am currently under the assumpton that further mods are required only when going past the 1.5-1.7" mark and that the 35/40 kit will be a straight install.

Technically no. However, looking at my front sway, it has rubbed on the driveshaft on occasion (I can see rub marks). This may be very rare, since I have never heard/felt it and its been over a year. I am thinking of picking up some adjustable end links.

- Is there anyone on this board with 18's and a 35/40 drop on an mk4 jetta? If so I'd really like to see it in person (next meet or even pics would suffice).

As I said, I have the 35/40 but I run 19's with 235/35 rubber. My wheel diameter is actually a bit large - by half an inch. Bart has this kit with 18's on his TDI I think.

- Wheel alignment: A 4-wheel alignment will be required after lowering the car right? Where is the best/cheapest place to get this done.

Its $100 at trio motors... they did an ok job except they put a couple little nicks in my wheels...

[Kor]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

BTW, sizes for 18's on a Mk IV are:

225/40-18 25.1
235/35-18 24.5


Either one is fine.

[Khyron]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

Its $100 at trio motors... they did an ok job except they put a couple little nicks in my wheels...

I have the same kit as Kris and my rear has rake (about 1/2 inch higher than front). So either 1 of us got a different kit or ...? Anyways I don't mind it, cause it works better for accel but make sure you won't mind it either.

I got an alignment at Goodyear for 70 bucks I believe.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=785090

Khyron

[Simon]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

you dont need a 4 wheel alignment, cant adjust the back anyway.

and you wont have any rubbing issues on a 34/40 kit

[VeeDubArt]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

i have 18x8 wheels
225/40/18

I just ordered my fk hitec 35/40 kit from C1 on friday. I'll post some pics once i have it installed. If you search vortex with the keyword "hitec" or "hitek" you'll get some good write ups about the kit and lots of pictures. Thats what helped me decide on this kit

[MrHeavyFoot]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

you dont need a 4 wheel alignment, cant adjust the back anyway.

Can't really adjust much on the front either. At least not camber. I think they can play with the toe settings a bit though.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

When you tuck, run wide wheels or strange offsets is when you get into rubbing issues. With a conservative drop and correct wheels you should have hardly any issues at all. Now you want to talk camber adjustment then you guys should get a MK3

[nismodrifter]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

i have 18x8 wheels
If you search vortex with the keyword "hitec" or "hitek" you'll get some good write ups about the kit and lots of pictures. Thats what helped me decide on this kit

yep...just did i'm pretty much set on getting it I think...

[Stonewall]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

I would be careful dropping a TDI too much. The engine sits lower then the other engines and can bottom out pretty easy. I would look to the TDIclub.com website for some more info and I was just reading some posts there the other day about dropping. I would sugest if you have the extra $$ to buy a diesel geeks aluminum skid plate as they give you about a inch more clearance then the stock plastic or metal plates. Other then that can't wait to see another nice TDI

[Derick]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

Please don't say Supermesh

.... Or Milanos either

[liquid]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

.... Or Milanos either

Not BBS RC's either. Mine are coming next thursday..... Woot woot

[nismodrifter]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

don't worry....they are not too wild/crazy/$$$/bling going for el cleano look

[Kor]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

don't worry....they are not too wild/crazy/$$$/bling going for el cleano look

Don't leave us hangin'!

[Silverstoned]

Re: Some questions about lowering/wheels/tires

i have 18x8 wheels
225/40/18

I just ordered my fk hitec 35/40 kit from C1 on friday. I'll post some pics once i have it installed. If you search vortex with the keyword "hitec" or "hitek" you'll get some good write ups about the kit and lots of pictures. Thats what helped me decide on this kit

How did you order them on Friday? I went in there to put a deposit on a set, and he just told me to keep calling back until they come in. Something about the shocks being back ordered, and he didn't know when the next shipping container was coming to NA from FK