Tdi75 rear springs and shocks - HELP!

Pinkythelabrat

A2OC Donor
Good evening.

I need some help! I’m sure the answers I need are on here but I cannot find them.

My rear wheels are much closer to the arches than my fronts. They have also been scrubbing the wheel arches when the car is loaded with 2 adults and 2 kids and I hit a bump!

The rear springs and rubbers were replaced about a year ago and the car stayed about the same height but when I got the front springs replaced the front of the car is a good 2cm higher in the arch (after it had settled down).

I assume that the old rear springs had sagged, the new springs are too short and I will need to replace them with longer ones (or more springy ones).

Can someone please give me a definitive answer for what spring length or type (or classification or whatever) I need to buy for a TDI75 SE non-oss so I can have a decent ride? I run 205 50 r16 but even on ‘normal’ tyres the car is on the same angle.

Also the spec of matching shocks would be great if possible...

I’m on a tight budget and am not looking for racing performance just to avoid the pooping-elk look and to get my suspension running like the car originally would have. I’d go second hand off of a car the right height but suspect the springs would be as saggy as my originals.

Please help!


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Sounds like you have sport suspension fitted. Replace the springs, shocks and top mounts with standard ones. If you are not looking for anything special try your local motor factors.
 
When I put my 1.4Tdi on SP3248s at the front (which on paper were the same spec as the originals), it raised the front ride height by about an inch - probably also replacing all the rubber bits and so on lifted it. The rear I have only replaced a fortnight ago (keeping the original springs), making sure to fit new rubber spring seats, bushes, bumpstops etc as these were all perished to hell as well as B4 shocks - and this has now lifted the rear to the same degree - the effect has been rather like A2Steve's Dune project car that he has raised deliberately. At least it works on our ropey country roads without being too roll-ey and if we get snow even the extra inch or so could be handy.

Do you know what paint marks you have on yours (or the build sticker as the codes here should indicate which suspension option was specified)?

Actually - edit - just re-read your post. Do you know what springs were fitted at the rear when they were replaced? As I've got a lot of the aftermarket ones on my spec list it may be possible to trace them exactly and then think about suitable alternatives).

Have to say that B3 rear springs on my 1.4Tdi+OSS project car actually worked out very nicely (the original springs were rusted to hell so it made sense to go B3+B4 shocks and all new bushes etc). Can't remember the specification but they were through the 'springloaded' online store doing a normal search and surprisingly good value.
 
springloaded rear b4s are currently £46.27 (nearly double last years price). I've been looking at shocks again of late and found these...
They're not specified as being suitable though they do list 19-106120 in the list of equivalents.
Sorry, can't help with spring selection to stop pooping elk though I'm happy to have a look at current setup, also happy to assist in the swap should you wish (I have added a covered work area since your last visit). I also have a pair of new Monroe SP3249(for TDI with OSS) and a single KYB5514(new TDI) springs here to compare.
Edit: where on the arch are they scrubbing? Are you running TT Ronals? Any idea what ET they are?
 
Good morning!

Thank you for the replies!

David - your generosity is always astounding... as is your home development to allow for your fleet!

I did take a picture of the original springs but the paint code isn’t clearly visible... my foolish mistake.

I think the old and new springs looked the same length when I laid them next to each other (like a good Chrisfixer).

The front springs and shocks were totally rebuilt about 18months ago (with new control arms and drop links and brakes) but the garage did the springs and shocks so I’ve no idea what they used.

I’ll need to get a wheel off to have a look at where the TT alloys are rubbing but I think it’s in the top of the tub rather than front or back - they push out more than the standard alloys but they are within the arch lip comfortably so I don’t think the issue is there.

Thanks again for the suggestions. Robin - I’ll need to re-read your excellent spring thread.

I’m currently trying to build a garden room (mega-shed and home gym) so my free time is somewhat diverted away from the car just now.


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Which tyre size are you running (I think you ditched the 205/55R16)? Which would suggest your rear spring and/or shock setup needs a lift. Good luck with the build.
 
What about these? With 'completesavings' 10% purchase discount would be £130 for the entire set - it appears to be the correct front and rear part numbers.

That listing is for the correct front shock (22-105813) with the unconfirmed rear shock I've asked about before (19-109572), would be great to confirm it is compatible as 19-106120 is twice the price.
 
The springs determine ride height
I fitted new kyb to the front which made the low rear look even lower, fitted kyb rear RH5514 the rear now sits better but around 10mm lower than front so maybe some OSS rears would have got me a touch more level!
Mines a basic non OSS tdi75
 
The springs determine ride height
I fitted new kyb to the front which made the low rear look even lower, fitted kyb rear RH5514 the rear now sits better but around 10mm lower than front so maybe some OSS rears would have got me a touch more level!
Mines a basic non OSS tdi75
The shocks have an impact on the height, apparently more so if gas, though less impact than springs. Which shocks are you running, KYB also?
 
I’m running 205 50 r16.

The 55s were rubbing so much I needed to ditch my spare and even with just me in the car would scrub out on those Highlands roads.

The shocks are probably done in. Maybe worth changing them and seeing how the height looks you reckon?


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I’m running 205 50 r16.

The 55s were rubbing so much I needed to ditch my spare and even with just me in the car would scrub out on those Highlands roads.

The shocks are probably done in. Maybe worth changing them and seeing how the height looks you reckon?


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Rear shock replacement is pretty straightforward, 45 minutes a side should be plenty as there's only one bolt that's seen lots of salt(other than the six that hold the arch liner). What could possibly go wrong? The work gives easy access to check and measure the springs (for comparison with @Robin_Cox list).
 
That’s the funny thing! I actually managed to replace the springs already! With new ones (very unusual for me)

It’s a lot better than it was but I think most of the improvement is the new rubber seats and the smaller tyres. The ride is still too low and sags too far with only a couple of hundred kilos of weight.


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I had been looking in ECP for the past order all day but I actually just found them on AUTODOC after your prompt David. Got the mental gears moving!

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The shocks have an impact on the height, apparently more so if gas, though less impact than springs. Which shocks are you running, KYB also?
All the knowledge i can find states shocks do not effect ride height but if you have personnal experience otherwise i accept that.
Shocks are the original slightly rusty (but not leaking) items with worn out bump stops that bounce around like tigger on a trampoline!
 
@Howey Is correct the shocks do not effect the ride height, that is done by the spring ( length, thickness, number of turns and rate ).The shocks aim is to keep the wheel in contact with the road surface and damp the rebound. If they are rusty or leaking or you plain just don't like them then change them. When you replace the springs remember to replace the lower top hat if damaged or missing and seat everything properly.
 
All the knowledge i can find states shocks do not effect ride height but if you have personnal experience otherwise i accept that.
Shocks are the original slightly rusty (but not leaking) items with worn out bump stops that bounce around like tigger on a trampoline!
I have no personal experience of this, was repeating a comment from @spike. Just curious to know opinions on alternative shocks, I've only used B4s so far.
 
@Howey Is correct the shocks do not effect the ride height, that is done by the spring ( length, thickness, number of turns and rate ).The shocks aim is to keep the wheel in contact with the road surface and damp the rebound. If they are rusty or leaking or you plain just don't like them then change them. When you replace the springs remember to replace the lower top hat if damaged or missing and seat everything properly.
Many thanks yes, almost bought some a bit ago as KYB is a great price (hope quality is ok as never had an issue with it)
Is the lower top hat what goes between top of shocker and vehicle body?
Her indoors said no more money on stuff not needed!!
 
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