T4 Cali suspension swap

B6POB · Jun 29, 2018

Hi all, thought I'd stick a few photos of this weeks job. The van was bouncing about like being out at sea

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so I decided it was time to change the dampers. I also decided to take 40mm out of the ride height just to take some of the arch gap away. After researching all options I decided on the Bilststein B12 kit made up with correct load rated springs. Here's some pics. Note the pic of the old dampers, when compressed they don't return to their original position!

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sidepod · Jun 29, 2018

Good work. Hard to tell from the pics but is it sitting a tad nose up?

I’ve searched and searched for an accurate measurement for the front. It’s not much use measuring from the arches as it’s different each side thanks to the infamous Westy lean.

When you get your van it’s impossible to say where the front ride height is if it’s been altered before.

There must be a baseline chassis to wishbone dimension from VW to use as a starting point. Once you have this then you can set the ride height drop and then adjust the camber to suit.

The rear is easy as it’s simply a case of fitting shorter springs.

B6POB · Jun 29, 2018

Yeah it is a tad nose up on the photos, I've been messing with the front all week trying to get it how I want it, atm I have one side wound down more than the other to factor out some of the side lean but I need to keep adjusting until I'm happy and then get the camber etc setup. I'll post some more when I get it where I want it.

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sidepod · Jun 29, 2018

Good man. I’m in Croatia at the mo but I have at home (just arrived) a CD-ROM of the official VW workshop manual for the 4.
One of the things I’m hoping to find is the front end set up data.

B6POB · Jun 29, 2018

Nice one enjoy Croatia! If you manage to find the details when you get back keep in touch

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WelshGas · Jun 29, 2018

B6POB said:
Yeah it is a tad nose up on the photos, I've been messing with the front all week trying to get it how I want it, atm I have one side wound down more than the other to factor out some of the side lean but I need to keep adjusting until I'm happy and then get the camber etc setup. I'll post some more when I get it where I want it.

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sidepod said:
Good man. I’m in Croatia at the mo but I have at home (just arrived) a CD-ROM of the official VW workshop manual for the 4.
One of the things I’m hoping to find is the front end set up data.

Technical Drawings for Transporter 1990-2003

https://bb-database.com/jctumbau/en/web/international/transporter-t4