What does stock suspension feel like?

[considerik]

I have never driven a Mk1 with nice new OEM struts. They have both been dumped. My car is like driving a forklift. Are they all like that no matter how much money you spend or what? I'm growing out of the lowering vehicles habit for this reason.

[Joey Russo]

I'm assuming it feels like a car that isn't on lowered suspension. Although rare, these types of vehicles do exist in the modern world, mainly characterized by looking stock in appearance. I'm willing to bet that you have unknowingly ridden in one of these cars in the past without even knowing it. SCIENCE!

[considerik]

I'm assuming it feels like a car that isn't on lowered suspension. Although rare, these types of vehicles do exist in the modern world, mainly characterized by looking stock in appearance. I'm willing to bet that you have unknowingly ridden in one of these cars in the past without even knowing it. SCIENCE!

Do you own a Mk3? Sounds like you hang out over there.

[gtiboy66]

Its ok feels like a 80's GM Car

A few years back I took an converted a slammed 4 door to stock using new struts and springs. I replaced every bit of suspention and bushings with new stock stuff. I even got stock size tires. After 3 weeks I put the H&R Ultra Ultra lows back on and called it a day.

After driving a lowered/ sporty car for 15+ years. I did not like it.

here is the thread
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...76-Swallowtail

[chickenfriend]

"What does stock suspension feel like?"


The best I can say to that difficult question is that it doesn't let you know it is there.

Plain rabbits came with non-gas dampers. GTI's came with gas charged dampers.

I don't know if the pure hydraulic dampers are still available, but the twin tube gas dampers will get you very close to the same ride.

The ride could be a little too wishy-washy for some, especially when the gas dampers get some age on them.

But it is definitely a comfortable ride, one that I have enjoyed for 28 years. That would be a setup like stock springs and some twin tube gas shocks like Sachs Advantage. Bilstein TC's are slightly stiffer, noticable in the rebound.

[considerik]

Alright, so maybe it is my spring rate that's the problem. Unsure of the brand of the lowering spring.
I have KYB GR-2 struts all the way around. The fronts have new cartridges. So that should be pretty decent as far as rebound goes.
I'm not expecting a Cadillac ride, but I feel like I shouldn't be jumping bumps on the highway either. I'm not racing the car as well. Just a bearable daily, that doesn't embarrass me in front of my girlfriend..

That info helps.

Nice car gtiboy. I wish my restore looked half as good as that car does originally.

[WackyWabbitRacer]

Many years ago, my son and I autocrossed a 1980 Rabbit with KYB inserts and rear shocks at factory ride height with the front control arms level. Although the inside rear wheel would lift in a sharp corner, the handling was very predictable.

As far as street driving, the Rabbit provided an enjoyable handling experience taking bumps and dips without any problem.

Good luck, WWR.

[canexrabbit]

from. my rabbit on racelands to my caddy on new stock front suspsn and rear airshocks it rides like a cadalacccc and handles ayyite

[considerik]

Haha, alright, I guess I'll try some new stock springs on my KYB's and see how it feels. It will be frightening being that far off the ground.

[canexrabbit]

i dont know man i cant wait to lower the caddy it just makes it soo much better

[considerik]

I'll trade you suspension then...You can keep the air shocks though.

[Maggiolone]

It feels like being able to cross railroad tracks at speed without touching the brake

[eurojettanut]

....like flying carpet...........



i do not slow down for anything on the road...

except something is in the middle of the lane as we run a huge 2 piece alloy oil pan

[considerik]

It feels like being able to cross railroad tracks at speed without touching the brake

That's what I was looking for! The deed is done.

[considerik]

....like flying carpet...........



i do not slow down for anything on the road...

except something is in the middle of the lane as we run a huge 2 piece alloy oil pan

That's stock suspension? It looks good. What are you running?
Tire size and all.

[Maggiolone]

That's what I was looking for! The deed is done.

Stock isn't that bad.

[Road Boss]

I hated every minute that my coupe had stock setup. I couldn't wait until I put my coils on.

[8v-of-fury]

These cars have 4" of stock suspension travel, why would you want to reduce that??? If you moved all the mounts up so you could retain suspension travel while lowering the car is the only way I'd lower it.

[considerik]

Well how much can you go up with the strut mounts with those wide springs? I think you would run into problems with the top of the perch and spring if you moved it up any. Coilovers seem like they are needed in this situation.

[rabbitnothopper]

i have factory rear suspension in my 81

it feels like ass dragging and bouncing around

why would you want that??!

i admit though....its way past due to replace the rears completely

front suspension was also factory...you shoulda seen that hydraulic piss

gas are ok, i cant realy tell the difference since i havent owned 15 different sets of suspension

my 78 unfortunately has diesel truck front suspension so....it sits up even higher than factory!


i dont think you can buy hydraulic for the mk1 anymore...all are gas

i think moog has the best options for stock springs

[rabbitnothopper]

enjoy.....i know i did (THANKS again todd!)