Author Topic: Lift kit for caddy? (Read 9258 times)

zyewdall · « **on:** October 31, 2005, 01:48:53 pm »

Does anyone know where we can get a kit for a 1" or so lift for an '81 caddy? The back should be easy since we have angle iron and a welder to reposition the spring mounts, but how do you do the front? I know alot of people sell these for old subaru's, but I've never heard of lifting VW's. It sure would help alot on some of the milder dirt roads. Although, the '81 caddy is still way better than the '99 mkIV jetta TDI -- we've actually cracked the oil pan on that.

mortskeg · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2005, 02:50:10 pm »

zyewdall-
Many people have had good luck with the rear of the pickup by either getting the existing springs re-arched (as they tend to sag with time) or for a nice solution- add in a toyota spring. You can get them ready to go from Roger Brown last time I checked-
http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/RearSuspension.shtml

A guy in NY by the name of Garry added it in on his- he has some pictures of it here-
http://vwcaddyforum.com/showthread.php?t=4799

As far as the front goes, I guess there used to be a spacer kit sold that would mount between the strut tower and the top of the strut to provide an inch or 2 of lift. However, I been told that vw also used different springs on the front depending on what equipment (weight) was installed. So if you can find a 'late model cabiolet with with AC, PS, and AT' then you should be able to get a higher stance then with your stock springs (provided that you also don't have AC, PS, and an AT

)
http://vwcaddyforum.com/showthread.php?t=5085

I've also seen where people have run slightly larger tires (185/80/13's etc) to achieve slightly more ground clearance with good results.

Hope this helps.

zyewdall · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2005, 03:12:37 pm »

Great info! thanks.

Zeke

therabbittree · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2005, 03:48:44 pm »

I am building a lifted rabbit pickup now..my freidsn blake had a lifted truck a few years back and im using his stuff to lift mine.. he used rear shackle that were longer, longer shocks, rear shock lower mount extensions, 4 " lift blocks with longer u bolts in teh rear..alosin teh front he cut and raised the stock strut spring perch up 2 "and used A@ jetta frong springs..that pushed the front th the max..he fit i thging 195 70 14 tires and had to beat teh pitch weld directly behinfd the tire flat to fit going over bumps..im doing this now so i will let you know asap...and i want to try toyota springs also..i thought of using a a2 subframe and arms to allow the subframe to be dropped and etc...
thanks
deo
\x/ hillfolk!

vwmike · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2005, 11:00:56 pm »

We threw some MK3 Jetta springs on the front of my friends Rabbit yesterday and they did a pretty good job of lifting it. They are a direct fit on the stock struts. We've also used 924 front suspension in the past, but that was a pain to install as they were way too long. They weren't bad for jumping and stuff though.

therabbittree · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2005, 07:40:19 am »

that is pretty sweet setup....pretty cool jump i have a vhs video of my old lifted rabbit jumping a a gravel / dirtbike quad pit. it was pretty sweet. let me find some old pics of blakes and my rabbits ..I will post em here.
thanks
Deo

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #6 on:** November 01, 2005, 09:34:11 am »

there is a guy on the vortex VWjerm who makes a lift plate for the rear. search the mkI forum for a post on it.

for the rear you could also add a leaf. or air.

for the front, just go the easy route and use mkII stuff. 1.5-2" lift

therabbittree · « **Reply #7 on:** November 02, 2005, 08:26:31 am »

when using the mk2 stuff just don't use the sterring knuckles and the struts too just use the springs.. my friend tried the former and the steering is retarded..can't get it aligned and it turned more to one side etc
thanks
Deo

hillfolk'r · « **Reply #8 on:** December 10, 2005, 04:00:09 pm »

I USED Blocks out back,,schackles didnt do much,,,3inch,,,then a2 springs in front ,,but for extra, i cut and raised perch 2 inches up,,right side driveshaft willhit topof the control arm mount,,soyou may need a travel limiter ,,,theres still pics around of mine somewhere,,,i had sears 195-75 14 trailcrapper truck tires,but not without some cutting on front of front fender,and pinch weld hammering,,rear was okfor clearance,,,,,

therabbittree · « **Reply #9 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:37:28 pm »

hey man i just did my rear suspension today..i did the 3" blocks no shackles and i cut and rewelded th estock shock mounts higher on the tube..i have th front all in also ..just need to do cv joints, front calipers, swap 5spd linkage in, and then i can let it sit on its lift..hehe then do down pipe..radiator, guages and interior ..i hope to be cruising by this upcomming weekend.
thanks
deo