Suspension Lowering Kit

[Stu]

Jim,

I priced up Eibach springs before having mine fitted but the prices were more expensive than the VW part which is also an Eibach part.

If you are a VIP you can have them supplied and fitted for a very reasonable price by SMG Cowfold, our sponsors.

I can't recall the price but it's considerably less than £500 all in and it's an unusually time consuming job on these vans so labour charges are higher.

If you don't want to be a VIP then I think the VW menu price is £550 fitted.

 

[ROB]

just collected mine from vw , 30mm lower pleased with early results , though 2 miles after collecting one side was banging ! so went straight back where they fixed it, thought they would of road tested first

 

[Shaun]

I am awaiting clarification from JCT 600 reference this topic, in the meantime I would suggest that until this is clarified that my posts relate only to my van and my risk, I would not want anybody to follow what I have done if the dealer has incorrectly fitted these.

When I ordered my California the specification and the technical aspects of it were documented between myself and the dealer. It is inconceivable to me that the dealer has allowed the lowering springs to be purchased and then fitted with this wheel and tyre and van specification without technical authority to do so from VW, especially when this combination was initially questioned due to the weight aspect by me pre order and notified to insurers post order as a VW dealer fitted accessory.

As soon as I have a written response I will post up.

In truth I have never experienced any issues or problems associated with this change.

Thanks

Did this ever get resolved? I would like to firm up the ride of my 2012- 4 motion , I would be happy to run it standard height if the lowering is out of the question.
Thanks

 

[SlidePods]

I have been reading through this suspension thread with interest. It was my understanding that the VW California was built on the same chassis as a caravelle (multivan)? If this is the case then the suspension would already be the same as that found on the sportline vans. All the suspension dampers found on the VW transporter type 5 chassis type were manufactured by bilstine as were the springs. On the sportline and caravelle models VW used a stiffer spring made by eibach which lowered the chassis by about 30/35mm. It has always been a popular modification for people with commercial panel vans to swap out their springs for the eibach ones. It is also popular for people to replace their whole suspension setup with fully adjustable coilovers (this is not something I would recommend unless you know exactly what you are doing with them).
The problem with lowering a T5 chassis is that there is no rear camber adjustment (the rear toe can be adjusted on a conical washer) this means the lower you go the more negative camber on the rear wheel.... this means you will wear the rear tyres unevenly and quickly.

A few years ago Bilstine caused a big splash by releasing a height adjustable coilover kit called the B14. These were easy to setup, very high quality and gave a brilliant comfortable but sporty ride, the downside..... the price!
Since then Bilstine have released a non adjustable full suspension kit called the B12. These consisted of a full set of high quality uprated dampers with eibach sportline springs. The front dampers were manufactured 10mm shorter than the standard ones which makes a van with a big heavy conversion in it (i.e a cali) sit nice and level as opposed to high at the back. These can be purchased from ebay Germany for a shade under £500 (still retailing at around £800 in the uk). They give a fantastic ride quality and remove most of the dreaded body roll. We have them on our demo van and everyone who drives it is blown away by the ride they give. I would suggest that surely VW could have no problem regarding warranty if you fit these? they are the same springs they sell and an uprated strut from the company who manufactures their own. Especially if you get VW to fit them.

Below are a couple of shots of our demo van so you get an idea of the stance they will let you achieve.

 

[SlidePods]

Sorry that first shot with the wheels turned straight on was pretty low res!

 

[Bubba Gross]

Nice wheels, what are they ?

 

[mark malaney]

Had mine lowered with genuine SportLine springs and black 18" alloys drives superb corners really well

 

[daz60]

Hi here is our 180 4 motion 30mm lowered with genuine sportsline and 19" alloys View media item 475

 

[Bubba Gross]

View attachment 9881

Sorry that first shot with the wheels turned straight on was pretty low res!

Nice wheels, what are they ?

 

[bvddobb]

We read threads like this with great amazement, if not bewilderment... Why would anyone in his sane mind want to lower a campervan? And then add sidebars which make your bottom clearance even less, especially on 4-Motion models? To make sure your bottom scrapes over every rock on a campsite or on a gravel piste? To rather plough through the snow than ride over it on wintery roads?

Sometimes people refer to the 'look' of the van. We have seen vans at Camperjam so low that they really look silly rather than cool.

Making them higher we could understand: gives you more bottom clearance, makes it easier to drive on uneven terrain, or through thick snow, makes for easier fording of rivers, reach nice secluded spots to camp more easily, etc. The sort of things we thought one bought a (4-Motion) campervan for. But lower?? We're baffled. Other than being able to enter a too low parking garage or paying less toll on French toll roads we don't think we will ever understand lowering a campervan...

 

[SlidePods]

Nice wheels, what are they ?

They are 20" bk flowform. We will have the 18" version in stock as soon as it's released (pretty imminently) if your interested.

 

[rippers]

30mm Sportline Springs, 18" Sportline Alloys, its plenty low enough, no ground clearance problems (mud flaps are early warning indicators) Ride superb, improved turn in on steering, No wallowing or travel sickness for my kids

 

[Shaun]

30mm Sportline Springs, 18" Sportline Alloys, its plenty low enough, no ground clearance problems (mud flaps are early warning indicators) Ride superb, improved turn in on steering, No wallowing or travel sickness for my kids

Nice,
Got mine booked in now for similar treatment at the end of September

 

[NZCol]

My 2014 4Motion came with -30mm springs from VW and 17" Timaru alloys, was specced like that from new.

 

[John Daniels]

Mine has VW 30mm lowering springs and ABT 19" wheels, no wallowing around for me either

 

[HowieDog]

Mine is going in on Thursday!

 

[dod4luce]

Does anyone have experience of having this mod on a facelift 180? I find the suspension too soft and the roll excessive. I guess I'm too used to the VW Golf, but I don't want the mod if it is detrimental to the ride quality. Feedback would be appreciated. Ray

Had mine lowered 30mm at VW Hereford, I found the original springs exactly as you describe, and since I have had it lowered it has made such a difference. Cornering feels a lot more like it does in a car. My Cali is only a year old, and i made sure it wasnt going to affect the warranty, which it doesnt. The ride I hardly notice any difference either. Feels pretty smooth to me, get it done, you will love your Cali a lot more, if thats possible!!

 

[BerndRos]

I will second that. It's made ALL the difference to mine and along with the VW stainless side bars get a lot of looks/comments

 

[dod4luce]

I will second that. It's made ALL the difference to mine and along with the VW stainless side bars get a lot of looks/comments

I want the bars. Did they cost much? and how much to fit, or are they easy to fit yourself? affect on warranty? no drilling? dont want any drilling done.

 

[AlanC]

VW sill bars use a couple of exiting plugged holes in the sill at each end. You get a set of special bolts which will slot into the holes once the rubber plugs are removed. Two bolts are used for each bracket, four in all.

The splash shields on each side need to be trimmed slightly to clear the bolt heads, but these are plastic so easy to cut with a small hacksaw.

I fitted mine and found it easy.

Alan

 

[daz60]

Had mine lowered 30mm at VW Hereford, I found the original springs exactly as you describe, and since I have had it lowered it has made such a difference. Cornering feels a lot more like it does in a car. My Cali is only a year old, and i made sure it wasnt going to affect the warranty, which it doesnt. The ride I hardly notice any difference either. Feels pretty smooth to me, get it done, you will love your Cali a lot more, if thats possible!!

Hi dod4luce, had my Cali lowered 30mm at VW Leicester from new, took it today for service and check out clonk on steering at VW Birmingham, who told me warranty would not cover work on steering with lowered springs. My Cali is 2 years old

 

[dod4luce]

Hi dod4luce, had my Cali lowered 30mm at VW Leicester from new, took it today for service and check out clonk on steering at VW Birmingham, who told me warranty would not cover work on steering with lowered springs. My Cali is 2 years old

This is concerning. VW Hereford assured me it would have no affect on the warranty. Maybe take it to VW Leicester who fitted the springs. Surely they would have to sort it out for you? I'll be fuming if mines not covered, having been told it would be. They are the VW springs, so I wouldnt see how a warranty would be affected. Thats criminal. Have you had any luck? I havent been online for a while. Really hoping you have had some joy.

 

[snowy55]

This is concerning. VW Hereford assured me it would have no affect on the warranty. Maybe take it to VW Leicester who fitted the springs. Surely they would have to sort it out for you? I'll be fuming if mines not covered, having been told it would be. They are the VW springs, so I wouldnt see how a warranty would be affected. Thats criminal. Have you had any luck? I havent been online for a while. Really hoping you have had some joy.

With all the news in the papers and on the TV recently regarding VW it would seem that lying and cheating is endemic throughout the whole organization so this is hardly surprising!

Up until a couple of years ago the T5 Sportline came lowered as standard, but I believe that due to excessive inner tyre wear they stopped lowering them.

 

[dod4luce]

With all the news in the papers and on the TV recently regarding VW it would seem that lying and cheating is endemic throughout the whole organization so this is hardly surprising!

Up until a couple of years ago the T5 Sportline came lowered as standard, but I believe that due to excessive inner tyre wear they stopped lowering them.

I feel like getting VW to bung the old springs back on now. But its horrible to drive when its not lowered. Really rolls. Nasty cornering. I might go to Hereford and ask them again now they are on!

 

[ROKET]

I feel like getting VW to bung the old springs back on now. But its horrible to drive when its not lowered. Really rolls. Nasty cornering. I might go to Hereford and ask them again now they are on!

Because the califonia has a large hole in the roof as oposed to aT5 van with a solid roof the rigiderty is not as good so if you fit harder suspension and or bigger wheels the body will have to take more of the road shocks and reduce the rigiderty of the body more over time causing more creaks and noises.Just a thought.