MK4 R32 Suspension Part Numbers

[NJAY87]

Hey guys

Hoping someone here is able to help me out here. Looking at finally getting around to installing coilovers into the R this weekend. Don't have access to spring compressors, so going to be obtaining some new parts in order to avoid having to disassemble to factory strut to reuse certain items.

As far as my research extends i believe i will need the following:

* 2 Upper strut bearings - 1J0412249
* 2 Upper strut mounts - 1J0412331C
* 2 Upper spring perches - 357412341A
* 2 Upper securing nuts - 1H0412365A

Is anyone able to confirm whether the above are the correct part numbers to be ordering direct from VW Spare parts, and also is anyone able to confirm whether i will need to replace anything else?

Thanks in advance guys

Cheers
Naz

[Jmac]

One more thing mate do you have a hub carrier spreader? you will need one for the front mate
Jmac

[NJAY87]

Is this the spreader tool i've heard about to 'pry' the strut from the mount?

[Jmac]

Spreader is a hardened eccentric that comes part of a socket, once turned 90 degrees it opens the hub carrier enough for the strut to be loose in the carrier, wouldnt be without it mate, great thing is the hardened part comes off the socket so its only that left on the carrier when you are working in it.
Cheers
Jmac

[Guest0608]

If you get stuck and really need to remove them without the spreader tool (this tool is so easy to use if you have it) a wide thick chiesel whacked in will do the same job of releasing the shock from the hub. But the special tool is the way to go............VW.............

[gavs]

Beware hitting anything in with a hammer to spread the housing!!

Jeep have a similar setup on their cherokee struts and the guys at work have cracked several because they use a screwdriver and bash it in to spread the housing.

If you don't get a spreader tool then use a 1/4 inch screwdriver bit and turn it to open up the housing. 'Tis what I did and it worked perfectly.

[dainese]

Naz, I will be swapping my coilovers soon as well. Just gotta leave a day free.

The control arms went in fine!


You?

[Manaz]

Have you considered getting the parts in from ECS Tuning instead of VW locally? You'll save a packet, and they have suspension refresh kits that include the stuff you're after.

I have a spreader tool lying around too if you need one...

[NJAY87]

Hey Guys

Thanks to all for the replies in regards to this.

Justin: i was hoping to knock out the install this weekend but unfortunately i didn't do my research earlier and now the install in on hold till i get the mentioned parts!! I'm getting sick of staring at the coilovers and the control arms just sitting in my room Have you sorted out the alignment after installing the arms?

Jmac, As for the spreader tool, im going to see how i go with the 1/4" screwdriver bit as Gavs mentioned first and hopefully should do the trick.

Manaz im with you on that one. I couldn't believe how much the parts were at the local stealer. Even with trade price, it is still coming to almost double what ECS wants !! So once my payment onto the credit card clears, i'll be ordering the refresh kit from ECS and will be tackling the task unfortunately early in the new year.

Just from those who have dealt with ECS, what has the normal turnaround time been for delivery from them? I can understand with christmas that process i going to be further delayed but would like to get a rough idea as to delivery time

Cheers guys
Naz

[NJAY87]

oh and Justin.. i'd be keen to see how your coilover swapover is going to go. Planning to do it anytime soon? keep me posted as i might be able to pick up a few pointers when i tackle the task