T5 4motion diff lock option

[bobf]

I had the factory rough road suspension option fitted, more like 10mm lift, on a good day. Again, the dealers didn't know and when I contacted VW tech dept they couldn't tell what lift to expect either, so took the punt, wasn't much impressed with either the lift or ride and have since opted for Lovells HD/Koni shocks on the rear ( gave me a net 20mm lift when fully loaded) but kept the factory coils on the front with Koni shocks for a much better ride. The RR shocks were Monroe's in disguise, the Konis are about twice as heavy and half as thick again if that means anything. Maybe they have a better option available now, mine was fitted 12/10.

[Murphenzo]

Hmm....bugger. Yeah you would have expected better than that.

[Heebee]

I have the factory suspension upgrade (2014 model). When I ordered it the statement was "up to 20mm ride height increase depending on model" or something similar. Aside from a height increase I was interested because it was stated as being tougher than the standard suspension. The dealers didn't have much info, my research suggested there was a difference in the way the shocks were mounted (more heavy duty mounting) or something. From memory it was $400 - $500 option, so much cheaper than an aftermarket suspension job.

I'd say a 20mm height increase is about right. I got under the car with a tape measure at one point, if I can remember right the lowest point on the van is the bottom of the suspension at around 180 - 190mm off the road (I think the factory is stated 165 for the multivan?). Let me know if you want me to measure or photo anything in particular and I'll post it here.

When I ordered the car I was living in a rural town and travelling long distances over dodgy outback roads, broken tarmac and potholes from mining traffic, so I thought it would be a good idea to get something beefier. Between ordering and receiving the car (7 months) I moved back to the city. It is fairly stiff but I don't consider it harsh and never thought about changing it, but I guess it is a personal opinion.

I also have the factory difflock. Haven't needed to use it yet but don't regret getting it. I don't think there is a simple or cheap way of fitting one later.

[bobf]

mine cost $800, plus $1200 for the diff lock. The option available now may well be different specs to my kit fitted 4 years ago.

I noticed that the guy who fitted my gear measured from the bottom lip of the rim to the bottom/centre of the wheel arch, so as to avoid tyre pressure differences etc. Might be a more accurate/consistent measure.

[Heebee]

Ok, so a bit off track from the original topic but maybe this info will help others.

2014 Multivan, 4motion, difflock, factory suspension upgrade. These measurements are with the van empty with a full tank of fuel, 17" alloys with 235/55/R17 wheels @ 40psi (last time I checked):

Front wheel - bottom lip of alloy to wheel arch = 700mm (470mm from centre of alloy to wheel arch)
Rear wheel - same as front
Clearance underneath at various low points:
Rear:
suspension arm - 200mm
diff/spare tyre carrier - 270mm
Front:
front suspension arm - 200mm
front exhaust component (cat?) - 220mm
structural rails either side of engine - 230mm

Attached are a couple of pics showing the front and rear suspension if you want to compare them with the standard. I'd be interested to know if the mounting is any different.

Cheers!

[Murphenzo]

Ok, so a bit off track from the original topic but maybe this info will help others.

2014 Multivan, 4motion, difflock, factory suspension upgrade. These measurements are with the van empty with a full tank of fuel, 17" alloys with 235/55/R17 wheels @ 40psi (last time I checked):

Front wheel - bottom lip of alloy to wheel arch = 700mm (470mm from centre of alloy to wheel arch)
Rear wheel - same as front
Clearance underneath at various low points:
Rear:
suspension arm - 200mm
diff/spare tyre carrier - 270mm
Front:
front suspension arm - 200mm
front exhaust component (cat?) - 220mm
structural rails either side of engine - 230mm

I can give a similar array of figures in a few weeks when I have my van back (cracked exhaust manifold....waiting on a cast replacement from the UK).

But off the top of my head there was a 50mm difference in wheel centre to guard lip between front and rear. Pretty sure it was over 500mm on the rear. With 235/65r17 all terrains on there I have 260mm clearance to the engine under tray (lowest point) and over 300 at the back of the car.

[bobf]

By way of interest, I recently measured a stock new transporter van, standard suspension, no load, at 700/700 mm front/ rear. ( bottom of rim to arch)

My transporter campervan when fitted with the RR suspension and trip ready at 2800kg measured 680/650 mm f/r, and now with the Lovell's constant load rear springs, sits at 680/680 f/r. Also measured a new campervan, same conversion, with standard suspension unloaded at 2340 kg at 680/680 mm.
Interesting!

[Murphenzo]

By way of interest, I recently measured a stock new transporter van, standard suspension, no load, at 700/700 mm front/ rear. ( bottom of rim to arch)

Was that 700/700 measurement on a car with 16s or 17s?

[Heebee]

Interesting indeed. Mine definitely looks higher (more gap to the wheel arch) than the stock multivan down the road, may I should go down there and creep around with a tape measure and confirm (that definitely wouldn't look weird

[bobf]

17's - have not measured a Multivan, and the spare parts man at the dealer did say that the suspension components differed between transporter and multivan, so maybe measurements are not directly comparable.