Eibach Springs vs JOM coilovers

[DieselBalz]

I searched these forums to see if anyone had asked the question before, and didnt really find anything. So I would like to open it up for discussion.

I wanna lower my Mk2 Jetta. But I dont wanna half ass it. I have been looking at the JOM coil overs that BFI has and was pretty set on that when I mentioned it to a buddy and he said to look into the Eibach springs. So I did.

Google returned a few pics of a Mk2 sittin on Eibach springs and it looked good, and didnt seem so low that I have to worry about my undercarriage with every ripple in the road.

Price wise the springs are cheaper too. I know the goal for the coil overs and the springs are essentially the same, lower the ride, improve handling.

So my question is, whats the difference? Is there anything more about the coil overs that make it worth the cost? Or for what I wanna do (just get it off so much air, bring the wheel arches down) are the springs enough?

[RadoTD]

The advantage of the coilovers is being able to adjust your ride height. JOM's can go everywhere from a mild drop down to laying your frame rails over every speed bump. However, your ride quality will severely suffer.

If you're not too picky about how perfect your ride height is, the Eibach springs will both ride nicer and handle nicer, while saving you money. Be careful though, as your stock struts won't last as long with a reduced ride height. Depending on the condition of them now, you may need to pick up new shocks designed for a moderate drop fairly soon, so factor that into your price.

How much of a drop are the Eibach springs? On a mk2, you can rarely go wrong with a 60/40 cup kit (60mm drop in the front, 40mm drop in the rear). Low but not stupid low and will still handle fairly well. If you keep your eyes open on various classifieds, a 60/40 cup kit can be had for a reasonable price

[DieselBalz]

The website at Eibach, for a Mk2, states that it is a 1.5 inch drop front and back. Which is a little shy of 40 mm .I will look into the strut factor. But from what you are saying, the springs just might be the ticket. The drop looks to be what I am looking for visually while still retaining drive-ability.

Now, as far as install, I know its super important to make sure you have a good spring compressor, if I have never done a spring swap before, is it recommended to have a shop do it?

[Grey_Smoke]

I just did all the shocks and struts, in my car. and i didn't have any problems.  I have two spring compressors, so i used one on each side of the spring, I probably only needed one per spring but seeing as I had them...

[macka]

I just did all the shocks and struts, in my car. and i didn't have any problems.  I have two spring compressors, so i used one on each side of the spring, I probably only needed one per spring but seeing as I had them...

Bad idea, the second spring compressor should be on to act as a safety device in case one of them fails. I have seen a compressed firefly spring used to launch 10 pin bowling balls 80 feet. They can cause serious damage if they hit you.

[the caveman]

I just did all the shocks and struts, in my car. and i didn't have any problems.  I have two spring compressors, so i used one on each side of the spring, I probably only needed one per spring but seeing as I had them...

Bad idea, the second spring compressor should be on to act as a safety device in case one of them fails. I have seen a compressed firefly spring used to launch 10 pin bowling balls 80 feet. They can cause serious damage if they hit you.

100% agree. be very careful when using cheap compressor tools or just one like you did. many years ago i was doing some struts and didn't realize one tool had cracked. Like an idiot i loosened the strut nut while looking right at it. One of the strut bearing studs went through my lip and the other glanced off my glasses. I could have easily lost and eye or died.

[mtnbob]

 :oWow that's a wake up call!!!!

[mystery3]

A reasonable drop will destroy your stock struts in short order unless they've been replaced recently then it might take a few thousand miles to blow your struts.

[Grey_Smoke]

Just to clarify, I did use both both spring compressors, but I was changing some of the mounting hardware and when I was putting them back together for that I was able to compress the springs by hand with out any problem.  BUT, I still think it would be very stupid to take shocks and springs apart without the spring compressors when you don't know what will happen when you start undoing stuff. 

[burn_your_money]

if I have never done a spring swap before, is it recommended to have a shop do it?

If we all had that attitude then shops would do everything   

Just be careful and be smart. Like caveman said, don't ever go at either end of the strut/spring. Always work from the side.

If you have a helper you won't need a spring compressor for the rear. They are "light" enough that your weight will safely compress them and allow you to remove them. Depending on the drop of the new springs, you might not need a spring compressor at all.