Dropping an inch - Coils?

[livingthedream]

Hi Guys

Have been going thru the posts on suspension which have been helpful, now all i need is some clarification.
As a younger lad with my cars i always changed the springs to get a lower ride height as it was economical and i didnt care about ride comfort...Few years older now and ride comfort is very important with the missus and a baby so i am after some advice.

Recently substituted the stock 17s Claxxis and Contis for some new 18s on low profiles. I think the car now needs to come down about an inch in height to get rid of alot of the gap between wheel and wheel arch. As can be seen in the pic

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h246/TannyJ/Jetta001_1024x577.jpg

From reading it seems that coliovers are the way to go? Which brand and where from i guess is the next thing...would like to keep cost between 500-1000 is possible.

Thanks in advance

[Mrk_Mickey]

Hmm...I'd say for only an inch, coilovers may not be the best option. You can't hold me to this because I'm not 100% sure if it's right or not, but the Jetta/golf platform are the same for suspension aren't they? Someone confirm please. If they are, then you could go for an R32 setup which is lower than stock and much comfier than a set of strong coilovers.

Problem with coilovers is that they have uprated spring rates which means the ride is automatically harsher. A spring/shock setup or even JUST newer, smaller springs would be better for your situation, because the rates wouldn't be as harsh.

Now...I could be wrong, but that is my understanding:)

[schoona]

I think a well matched shock/spring combo would be best suited for your jetta. You aren't going for a large drop. The car will prob sit at height X. And it probably wont get tracked.

If you search for "whitejames" on golfmkv.com, he has done a serious amount of suspension testing (different brands/setups) and has documented +/- of each. Find the one that suits you.

[schoona]

Hmm...I'd say for only an inch, coilovers may not be the best option. You can't hold me to this because I'm not 100% sure if it's right or not, but the Jetta/golf platform are the same for suspension aren't they? Someone confirm please. If they are, then you could go for an R32 setup which is lower than stock and much comfier than a set of strong coilovers.

Problem with coilovers is that they have uprated spring rates which means the ride is automatically harsher. A spring/shock setup or even JUST newer, smaller springs would be better for your situation, because the rates wouldn't be as harsh.

Now...I could be wrong, but that is my understanding:)

Same platform honey. :)

[Mrk_Mickey]

Same platform honey. :)

Hahaha. Thanks darl.

[livingthedream]

Thanks for the quick input thus far guys.

The TFSI Jetta has similar/same suspension to the GTI i thought? The gap didnt look as big with the conti's on but is really evident with the lower profiles.

Just want to tidy that up and keep the comfort levels close to same....Your right in that the car wont see the track ;)

Will search on golf forum for some more advice.

Thanks again

[Manaz]

GTI parts should fit a TFSI Jetta. R32 parts may not fit, as the R32 setup is a bit different due to the AWD drivetrain.

Unfortunately the TFSI Jetta's stock suspension (even with the sporty suspension setup that's offered) isn't quite as low/tight as that of the GTI and so doesn't quite handle as well. If you can find a fresh set of GTI springs/struts from someone who's replaced the stock gear with aftermarket, I think that'd be a sweet upgrade to a Jetta.

[gareth_oau]

ive a funny feeling that a good, quality riding set of coilovers would set you back over $2k, plus installation. that $2k will get you a set of KW V1s or eibach or similar, basic (but still height adjustable)

A brand costing less than that I suspect would seriously compromise ride/comfort quality.

a set of ride lowering springs will still cost you around $500 plus installation

[Manaz]

a set of ride lowering springs will still cost you around $500 plus installation

Just be aware that this may leave you with a set of unmatched springs and shocks, which can cause issues of its own (excessive bottoming out, poorly matched compression and rebound, etc).