What springs and shocks are recommended for an 86 Golf??

[mtnbob]

What springs and shocks are recommended for an 86 Golf?? I don't want to drop it any, if anything I'd like to raise it. I see a whole set of KYB shocks and struts on Ebay for around $160. I know the KYB's I got for my Outback were great, but I don't know if anyone has had experience with them in Golfs or Jettas. What about stiffer springs. I'm a big :shock: boy and I frequently carry around my three sons(16yr old is already 6'4" 200#), and I'm tired of bottoming out over bumps. Any suggestions for a soon to be teacher on a tight budget?

[blkboostedtruck]

springs from something that had a VR6 in it may help raise your front? i'm not sure about the back? i usually use the rears thet come on your car to raise the back of my rabbit! passat wagon rear springs might do it for the rear?
thanks Duane

[subsonic]

http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=10446&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[mtnbob]

are there any other year or model springs that will fit the 86 Golf?? Something that is stiffer than stock but will fit without modification?

[burn_your_money]

Passat rear suspension bolts in, you just need to put on the mk2 upper strut mount and you are rocking. Stiffer and will give you 1-2" of lift I think

I'm moving this thread BTW

[Patrick]

I've used Passat springs on Mk2 struts, wound up cutting 1 1/2 coils off and still have some extra height, definetly firmer too.

[mtnbob]

OK so passat springs will work in the back? did you use them with regular shocks? Passat shocks? Did you use them in the front too? I don't have any way of cutting springs.

[Patrick]

I used them with the Jetta struts (same as your golf). Burn your money says you can use complete Passat struts if you just put the golf top mount on it. As for cutting coils off, I used a zip wheel on a grinder. A torch will work (not ideal because heating the spring isn't a great idea). I imagine a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw would work too with a good blade. Best bet is to put it together and try it. If it's too high pull it apart and cut off one full coil. Measure wheel well height to ground before and after. If it's still too high you can figure out how much more to cut off. I've got 1 1/2 coils cut off on a 4 door Jetta........ Mine werer from a 93 foor door passat and are more than heavy enough. The wagon ones look huge.

BTW, cut the coils off the big end of the spring..........

Just for fun, I've got another jetta four door here that has the front springs out of a chevette in the back........... good ride height and a better ride than the passat springs, a little softer over the bumps but still good capacity. Tough to find in a wrecking yard around here, they're all crushed already!

[burn_your_money]

I have not personally done the passat trick, only read about it

[mtnbob]

ok ty still trying to get a handle on this

[flapjack]

I'd go to shine
www.srsvw.com
I'd call them and ask what they would recommend

[burn_your_money]

I put late mk3 suspension on my mk2. I had to use the late mk3 front strut bearings. (late = post 96.5 I think) The front is up nice and high. The backs were good but with all the crap I carry it started to sag. Solution: 2 hockey pucks. 1 per side. Just drill out the center of them and drop them onto the strut. Then put the spring in place and everything else as normal. Once I get my camera going I'll take pictures. I've only ridden on the highway with it but it seems good to me. I'm currently using VR rear suspension. I'm not sure what the fronts are for, probably a 2.0. I used both struts and springs from the mk3.

[Ziptar]

I think if you want to lift it some them B3 Passat VR6 Wagon (circa 1991) will do the trick too. Almost  a straight bolt in and adds 1.5" of lift from what I read. Have a look at this vortex thread

I can't find it now but, there was a thread somewhere where a guy lifted an MKII Golf using Porsche 924 or 944 suspension, raised it like 6" and supposedly it was still safe to drive.