'08 GLI Suspension Install - NEED HELP!

[darkhalcyon]

I'm installing driver gear springs on my 2008 GLI. I removed the coilovers and put the springs / shocks in. The first thing that concerned me is I had to jack up the control arm to get the bolt hole to line up. After everything was complete it looks like the spring is pushing the arm down really far.

I lowered this side of the car (other side is still on jack stands) and the wheel gap looks massive. I don't won't to continue on if something is wrong but it may be since I don't have the whole car down. Can you take a look and see if everything is correct?

These are the springs I'm installing: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ings/ES323017/

[Randomdub]

looks to me like you have the front springs in the back. then again drivers gear springs are not really that low. just a sportier ride.

[darkhalcyon]

The spring diameter matches the one I pulled out. I'm almost positive the spring is correct but ill double check.

[x.D]

You've got the fronts in the rear. Look how they are bending.

[Randomdub]

The rears are generally a bit shorter and fatter. They were on the springs I put in my GLI.
If you look at the picture in your link you posted. The ones on the outside are the rears.

[JettaGT8V80]

those are without a doubt the front springs

[cbs_24]

oops. well at least you figured it out fairly painlessly.

[darkhalcyon]

Thanks a ton!!! I feel like an idiot.

When I initially compared the springs the overall diameter of the front matched closest to the one I pulled off. Now it makes sense after looking at them after reading your comments. I'm going to switch them right now!

[audivoodoo]

funny i just did this install for the jetta, the fronts were such a pita, but yea the longer springs goes in the back if that helps..and i had to jack up the control arm for the bolt to fit too, in addition of pulling the whole assembly towards me for the bolt to line up perfectly...dont forget to torque to spec. its 90 NM plus 90 degree turn for the rears

[Randomdub]

glad i could help, simple mistake is all take some pics when they are all installed

[darkhalcyon]

funny i just did this install for the jetta, the fronts were such a pita, but yea the longer springs goes in the back if that helps..and i had to jack up the control arm for the bolt to fit too, in addition of pulling the whole assembly towards me for the bolt to line up perfectly...dont forget to torque to spec. its 90 NM plus 90 degree turn for the rears

Yeah, this is opposite what every else is saying. I just pulled the rear apart....again and there's no way the short, fat ones go in the back (picture below). They are way too big for the lower perch.

I'm concerned because the wheel gap seemed huge after install and the spring looked bowed. I'm not sure if the gap will decrease when I install and lower the drivers side. It doesn't really feel like it.

Is there any way I could have installed the rears incorrectly to create a large gap or did I have it correct the first time? Also, is there any possible these are the totally wrong springs?

[darkhalcyon]

I think I'm going to just install both sides and let the car down to see how it sits. I may be making myself crazy since one side is still on stands. It just seems like the spring is extending the arm way too much. I would still take any advice.

[sebasEuRo]

It's hard to tell from your pictures but here are my rear springs (Driver Gear also), one picture is zoomed in. Oh and don't expect your car to look normal the moment you take it off the jack, it will be extremely high in the air. Also it is normal that you had to use the jack to lift the arm into place once you installed the spring, it is the same way if you take off the factory springs (which I assume you didn't or you would have noticed this), once you undo the bolt, the factory springs are under a bit of pressure so it kicks down the arm. Remember, the springs you took out (the red ones), were not long enough to put pressure downwards on the arm because they were so short but the DG springs are barely an inch shorter than the stock ones.
So looks like the narrower springs are for the rear, while most of the time, the wider springs will be for the front since they support more weight.

[darkhalcyon]

Thanks for all the help!!!!!!

The suspension was in fact correct the whole time. I dropped both sides of the car and its sitting 26.5" FTG. I haven't driven it yet and expect it to settle another 1/2 inch.

[glifahrenheitcameron]

Thanks for all the help!!!!!!

The suspension was in fact correct the whole time. I dropped both sides of the car and its sitting 26.5" FTG. I haven't driven it yet and expect it to settle another 1/2 inch.

side shot of car?

[darkhalcyon]

side shot of car?

The fronts aren't done yet but I'll take some pics anyways. It has some serious rake right now (about 1" lower in the front).

It ended up at 26" FTG after I drove it around the block. I expect it to end up closer to 25.5" FTG based on others experience

[Randomdub]

I am still convinced that you have the fronts in the rear. I am willing to be whoever put the previous suspension in either put a different lower perch in there or its just worn out. I am positive the short fat ones go in the back. It's the only way it makes sense. I have installed suspension on 2 mk5 GLI's and thats the way both of them were. Just like the one a few posts up. Good luck man