Springs and Struts - Opinions Welcome

[delavmkv]

Hi guys, I've been lurking this forum for several months but haven't been too active in the forum.

I own a 2008 GLI, and I'd like to invest some money into my suspension. This is my DD and will likely not see any track time, however I'd like to firm up the road feel of my car and drop the height a bit. I'm in the marketing for sport springs and struts, and I'm considering either the Eibach Pro Kit or H&R Sport springs paired with Koni Yellow or STR.T struts.

I'd like an even 1.5" drop and a strut that improves handling without making the ride too harsh, and after a fair amount of research and reading it seems like quite a few guys are happy with the parts I'm considering.

Can anyone offer a compelling arguement for the Pro Kit/H&R Sport spring choice, or the Yellow/STR.T strut choice?

The springs are pretty similar, and I think I'd like either. Price is obviously similar, too. At this point, I'm leaning toward the H&R set because the drop looks slightly more even and keeps the rear a touch higher than the front. The struts are what I'd really like some thoughts on. Obviously the Koni Yellows are a proven choice. The STR.Ts seem well reviewed so far, despite the lack of adjustability and different dampening (hydraulic vs. gas). The $200 differnce in price has me wondering if I'd really need the adjustability of the Yellows; is the performance difference noticeable?

I had considered a set of ST coils, but I don't think I'll be tinkering with height too much and I like the idea of a lifetime warranty on either Koni dampers.

For those who've replaced OEM suspension:

What parts do you recommend replacing?

Are there bushings or other parts that make a big difference in steering feel or handling that I should pick up?

ECS offers kits for front, rear, or both including all bolts, bushings/bearings and mounts, etc... Is it worth replacing the F/R mounts and associated hardware when installing aftermarket suspension?

Thanks!

[dave80]

Dg mk6 springs paired up with koni str.t struts.

[delavmkv]

Originally Posted by dave80

Dg mk6 springs paired up with koni str.t struts.

Why the mk6 DG springs?

[dave80]

Originally Posted by delavmkv

Why the mk6 DG springs?

they will drop you little lower.

[delavmkv]

Originally Posted by dave80

they will drop you little lower.

Lower than the springs mentioned above? I drive a MVK GLI, are you recommending a mk6 golf or jetta DG spring?

[dave80]

is your gli a 4dr, 2dr, manual or dsg.

[delavmkv]

It's a GLI (not a GTI). 4 Door 6 speed manual.

[Crispy21]

Originally Posted by dave80

is your gli a 4dr, 2dr, manual or dsg.

Lol r u serious

[dave80]

Originally Posted by Crispy21

Lol r u serious

it's a 4dr, didn't think.

[delavmkv]

Thanks for the help guys.

Can anyone comment on which parts need to be replaced when replacing struts?

Does everyone replace hardware, bearings and mounts?

Thanks!

[Crispy21]

You should replace axle bolts but its not 100% necessary

[20GLI08]

Originally Posted by Crispy21

You should replace axle bolts but its not 100% necessary

Not necessary at all

[dave80]

Originally Posted by Crispy21

You should replace axle bolts but its not 100% necessary

Are you serious? You better get new axle bolts (one time use, stretch bolts) if you pull the hub during the installation, but follow this link: http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showpo...12&postcount=5

[bhmkv]

H&R sports and koni srt is a great setup. Its what I have now. Very happy with it.

[bhmkv]

Originally Posted by dave80

Are you serious? You better get new axle bolts (one time use, stretch bolts) if you pull the hub during the installation, but follow this link: http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showpo...12&postcount=5

I would say 90% of the people here didnt replace the axle bolts.

[brian9892]

Originally Posted by bhmkv

I would say 90% of the people here didnt replace the axle bolts.

Yes, absolutely. I really don't see why people bother pulling the hub, it's very unnecessary.

OP, I know you're wanting a pretty mild drop, by my two cents is to go ahead and save up for the coils. I was in the same boat as you when I first got my car, but I ended up waiting to get coils, and I'm very glad I did. If you ever want to go lower in the future, you have that option. Being able to adjust dampening or height yourself is a huge plus in my opinion. By the time you get springs and dampers, you could get coils with just a little more. I know there's plenty of people on the forum that are happy with their spring/shock setup, but there's also been a lot of people selling theirs in the classified section because they want to go lower.

[delavmkv]

Originally Posted by brian9892

Yes, absolutely. I really don't see why people bother pulling the hub, it's very unnecessary.

OP, I know you're wanting a pretty mild drop, by my two cents is to go ahead and save up for the coils. I was in the same boat as you when I first got my car, but I ended up waiting to get coils, and I'm very glad I did. If you ever want to go lower in the future, you have that option. Being able to adjust dampening or height yourself is a huge plus in my opinion. By the time you get springs and dampers, you could get coils with just a little more. I know there's plenty of people on the forum that are happy with their spring/shock setup, but there's also been a lot of people selling theirs in the classified section because they want to go lower.

Thanks for the input, this is certainly something I've considered time and time again.

For a variety of reasons, I don't think I'll want to go much lower than a mild drop. This will never be a track car, it's a FWD daily driver and I'm a working professional. When my wife and I move in spring of 2013, I'll be beginning an e36 build that will see track time and high-end suspension.

My end goal is really a clean looking DD with a mild drop, great handling, and a set of RS4/Superleggaera wheels on meaty tires. I'm not really into stretched/tucked/slammed VWs, and certainly don't want to compromise handling or ride quality with low-end coilovers. A coilover kit could absolutely get me there... but I'd want a set of $1500+ coils and would have a hard time justifying the purchase.

As boring as this may sound, I think a set of springs and either Koni Yellows/STR.Ts and a rear sway is the ticket, and it will leave $$ for the wheels/tires and APR software (which just went on sale).

Here is the car now (pcv upgrade, Rev D, K&N panel)

[delavmkv]

Originally Posted by bhmkv

H&R sports and koni srt is a great setup. Its what I have now. Very happy with it.

Great to hear. Neuspeed offers a kit with their sport springs for $499... which is a hell of a deal. Buying the struts/springs from ECS (H&R Sports) is about $580.

I'd honestly prefer the H&R spring based on what I've seen on other people's cars, and the slightly higher spring rate.

How does your car handle/ride (speed bumps, bad pavement, on ramps, highway cruising, twisties)?

Did you consider the Koni yellows? For the extra $170, I'm thinking these may be worth it.

[brian9892]

That's understandable, I just see a lot of people waste money because they want something different down the road. I would suggest the yellows for the shocks, because they are adjustable (plus have a great reputation). Never know when you might want to soften them up for a long trip, or have them firmer for your handling preferences.

[bhmkv]

This was my before and after
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166994

[delavmkv]

brian9892 - thats a great thought about being able to adjust the Koni's for road trips or backroad days. Thanks man.

My car (above) is a 2008. Does the gap look correct for a stock vehicle? It measures about 3 fingers.

[delavmkv]

Originally Posted by bhmkv

This was my before and after
http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166994

For some reason that thread won't let me get to page 2... any pics after settling?

From what you've said, sounds like this kit may be the ticket. We have snow here too :(