cutting and lowering factory spring perch?

[dana]

I am working on my TDI project again. Trying to brainstorm up suspension ideas. Obviously, the front sits very nose high with the factory 20v springs in it and tdi engine installed. If I could find a set of lowering springs for the front of a 2.0 80 fwd, those would work (but its impossible to find).

I could also do coilovers, but i dont really want to do that for a winter DD.

I was thinking I might try cutting off the factory spring perches and lowering them and retaining the original stock 20v springs. Is this a feasible idea?

Just looking for some other opinions.

[roortube]

Aside from lost travel and a soft spring I dont see why it wouldnt work. Just make sure your bump stops are good so it doesnt bottom out. You could also use some of Haydn's strut towers i. Bis secton on here, but they cost more than zero.

[dana]

well, theoretically I shouldnt loose travel over stock. I'm just trying to get it back into some kind of stock type ride height instead of a crazy nose high rake. Right now I've gained a couple inches of travel.

I suppose its worth a try, worst case I need to source anther set of front upright and do something else.

[audifreakjim]

There you go

[dana]

thanks for the (in)sanity check dudes. Out comes the grinder and welder.

[ringbearer]

I was thinking of finding a hole saw that fits over the strut tube and extending it with a piece of pipe to cut the perch off clean. Kinda crazy, but a thought.

[dana]

i like that idea, i remember what a pain it was to grind those off before when I was installing coilovers on another car. I bet trying to grind it off and save it would really be tough. I might have to try this extended hole saw technique.

[Mcstiff]

Finding a plasma to use for 20 mins (max) would be easier.

[ringbearer]

You would still have to grind the leftovers and may cut some of the tube with the arc.

[dana]

Finding a plasma to use for 20 mins (max) would be easier.

there is nothing 20 mins from where I live, let alone a plasma cutter.

plus i like somewhat retarded DIY solutions like this. Its similar to how I just shaved .050" off my valve heads to compensate for a shaved head.

[Colin2750]

Cut the springs? seems like an easier approach IMO

[dana]

Cut the springs? seems like an easier approach IMO

i dont think thats a great idea. That will increase the spring rate, and also making the pigtails is not easy. I don't want the front to be oversprung and the rear to be stock soft. No good for understeer. Compared to everything else im doing on this car, a bit if time playing with cutting and welding really isnt a big deal.

I may have to end up going coilover, im just not sure how they would survive 6 months of salt brine every year.

[speeding-g60]

from memory the fronts (on my CQ's anyhow) the perch is right up on the steering arm? maybe not, but thats kinda what i remember anyways. and if so, you will not be lowering it much if anything at all.

[dana]

excellent point Aaron, obviously I haven't even looked at my strut housings since coming up with this idea. I guess that sort of kills that plan.....
Thanks for the pic.

[dana]

I just realized that there are b3 4 cylinder quattro cars in europe...perhaps i will have to source a set of springs from one of them and have them shipped.

[dana]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ST-Weitec-Lower ... 1155506811

these might actually be the ticket, and free shipping from germany. ST is apparently made by KW??

The price is worth a shot.

[scubagli]

Lol at the valve fix.

[dana]

Lol at the valve fix.

I actually took more care than it looks and ended up with a nice finish. You wouldnt even know I did this. I think its going to work just fine, but won't pat myself on the back until its up and running.

Was thinking I would post a DIY valve head skimming up on TDIClub.... I would get crucified. I might do it once it is running reliably.

[scubagli]

Ha ha [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES] they will love that.

[vt10vt]

Either actually come hang out in Burlington for a night and we can cut them up here at work or find some part numbers for springs and I can have one of our distributors across the pond ship a set over, shipping wouldn't be all that bad.

[dana]

excellent shawn, i will get with you and see if you guys can find some springs I need. I am getting ahead of myself, the motors is not even together yet.

[oil_me]

I have a similar swap. I used fronts from an '87 4000 4 cyl; rears are '90 B3 4 cyl (front springs, no AC). It's about 1.375" higher than stock front and rear. I plan on swapping the rears to the front and CQ front springs in the rear. I need/want more altitude in the rear for clearance in the woods so this set up might not be ideal for you. I would avoid coil-overs in the NE I've had them on my other 80q for 2 winters. I fit boots under the coils, but the adjusters aren't corrosion proof and are seized at the moment. What ride height do you want?

[scubagli]

I'd just put a mkii/mkiii lowering spring in there....if you don't want to go coilover....

[dana]

I would like to be about 1.5 inches lower than stock maybe. I definitely don't want slammed

[scubagli]

I'd have to say it would probably work maybe...