2008 2.5 TDI suspension upgrade advice

[Red Bicycle]

Dear All

2008 2.5 TDI with 10 month old Bilstein B6 front shocks, OEM rear, stock 16" Michelin Agilis tyres.

I'm getting ready to head to the Victorian Alps for our annual holidays. Driving consists of daily driving up and down Mt Hotham, Falls creek etc. I would like to reduce the body roll on tight corners and float at higher speed. I don't want to change rims/tyres and have a budget of under $2500. I was looking to do this last year but budget ran out at front Bilsteins!

I figure the OEM rear shocks need to be replaced by Bilstein B6's but in terms of springs or sway bars or anything else would appreciate advice. I generally use Safety Service Centre in Forestville for all servicing and they have a lot of general tuning experience so would prefer options that allow me to use them - but do have flexibility if warranted.

Many thanks


Michael

[Transporter]

Maybe changing to 17" wheels (or even 18") could give you what you are after.

I certainly don't feel the need to modify the front suspension in my 2005 4Motion which came on 17" steelies. But, I put raised springs and HD shockers at the back to handle extra weight.

[Red Bicycle]

Hi Transporter

Im trying to steer clear of rim upgrades as I like the under the radar stock look of the 16" steel rims. I ve been looking online and leaning towards lowering the van slightly, maybe 35-40mm, with uprated springs. My wife will appreciate easier access to the van as well!!

[77dual]

Hi mate, I've just fitted the front of my van with some Bilstein B8's and lowered springs and I'm very happy with how it handles. I couldn't recommend the particular company I bought the springs from but I have read a lot of positive information about H&R lowered springs. The only reason I chose another brand was because I wanted to go a little lower.

I'm also running 18inch wheels and 255/45 tyres.

[Red Bicycle]

Thanks 77Dual

I spoke with the owner at the service centre I used and he suggested that coil overs could lead to a harsh ride - but was willing to be convinced that the b14's are different. His advice was B6's and lowered springs such as Eibach's.

K-Mac have come back with a recommendation of Front and Rear sway bars in 27mm with urethane bushes for approx $650.

Looking back on past comments I see Im going around a bit in circles and that last years recommendation of B14's is probably my solution - although I doubt my budget of $2500 will see them supplied and fitted.

My ride has always been quite bump/crash so can't see B14's being any worse but...

Best

Michael

[Sunny43.5]

We have the B14 kit on our van and I love it compared to the FK kit I had for a short time the Bilsteins are in a league of their own . it took a couple of months for the kit to settle but now its a dream to drive , I will admit there are times when the towbar bottoms out on some driveways but no big deal . I bought ours from the UK for around $1600 but don,t quote me on that because freight could have gone up since then . PS we also have 17inch alloys fitted so we get a comfortable ride as well .

[Red Bicycle]

Hi Sunny

Why do the 17's give a better ride? Do you mean better than the standard 16" 215/65?

Best

Michael

[Sunny43.5]

No a better ride than 18s as the bigger diameter rim the smaller the tyre profile , you only have to look at some of these beasts you see on the roads with huge oversized rims with rubber bands as an excuse for tyres . Believe me I tried the lo profile game and ended up getting rid of them after just a couple of months . Trips to bone crunchers for spine manipulation and loose teeth are not my cup of tea , not to mention the damage to the van suspension and body . Stock 16s will be fine the more rubber between you and the road is better but maybe a trade off for a bit of performance in handling , 17,s fit just nice to give a balance between both above and below sizes . In my opinion please as many will probably disagree with me .

[77dual]

I'd disagree

I have no problems with my 18's, they ride and handle very well and easily take all the weight I throw in the van.

Wish I had your B14's though Sunny! I priced them and KW's, no change from $1800 for the KW's and well over 2k for the Bilsteins, add fitting on top and they were out of my price range.

If you are still thinking of lowered springs Red Bicycle, don't buy Pro Sports!

[Sunny43.5]

Maybe I am a cheapskate but other than wheel alignment I did both sets of coil overs myself . Rears are very easy fronts just need some persuasion when refitting and lots of jacking .