WillSS
2 seater beach
VIP Member
- Messages
- 128
- Vehicle
- T6 Beach 150
If lowering isn't your thing then I'll throw this into the pot. Having spent some time on the German Cali forums I found much discussion into the ocean/beach rear sag & soft rear end (especially when loaded for a trip) for both T5/T6 variants.
This led into pages of analysis into the crazy array of factory VW spring options applicable to all the various van types/chasis/loadings and the conclusion is to fit the 4xgrey set in the rear end, (vw partno in pic below). This not only (optically) levels things up but gives the van a taughter ride, with an improved spring travel to take out the bumps. It definitely reads that everyone who made this change was pleased with the results.
4xgrey equates to the slightly longer and heavier duty rear springs as fitted to the T5 T32 workhorse model.
Practically new sets can be found on eBay for small monies as plenty of folk swap them out for lowered springs. (The 3xgrey are also suitable and fitted to T32 as well).
You've already got the uprated rear ARB so just doing these springs may be enough of an improvement on their own. The next benefit would be to upgrade the rear shocks. Bilstein B6s are probably the top choice but a more affordable alternative might be the SACHS 'super touring' rear shocks (part no. 314725), these can be bought for under £100 for the pair and are again designed to work with the heavy duty suspension. For what it's worth the SACHS super touring shocks for the T4 are pretty much considered as good as, if not better, than the Bilsteins.
As the only change here is at the rear end it's all straightforward labour wise (either DIY or shop) though the 4motion is more hassle with the driveshafts not allowing the hubs to drop low enough to release the springs.
I have a new beach on order and a set ot T32 springs blocking up our hallway so will report back findings sometime down the line when it makes it out of Hanover.
Cheers, Will
Ok so here's a very belated reply to myself having FINALLY moved the set of VW T5 T32 rear springs from my hallway into the rear end of our T6 Beach.
Apologies for the length of this post but my findings may be of help to others to who are looking for an improvement in their Cali's handling. I've pulled so much useful info out of this forum so hopefully here's a little back!
To compliment these beefier springs I've also replaced the standard rear shocks with a pair of SACHs HD shocks, again more suitable for a T32 model. For those who haven't studied up on the various Transporter variants by weight carrying capacity(!), the T32 model of the T5/6 is the heaviest permitted load carrying version hence comes with the uprated suspension to cope.
So the purpose of all this is to try and improve the Cali handling whilst retaining/improving the ground clearance and not going down the lowered path of VW lowering springs / Bilstein coilovers or the expense of air suspension.
This also turns out to be a very inexpensive solution and has the aesthetic benefit (in my opinion) of removing the visual rear end sag, especially when loaded.
If you read my original post further up you'll realise swapping these springs was gleaned from the German Cali forums. I've just added in the shocks for good measure as its my belief most of the Cali's handling 'features' are down to the weak underdamped standard shocks that can't cope with the weight (exactly the same as those fitted to the bog standard T28 panel van but bear in mind the Cali is carrying most of its permitted weight all of the time!)
To hopefully avoid any reply negativity may I add this is genuinely not written as a direct criticism of the Cali handling. Do any search on here into the Cali's road manners and it's pretty obvious this is a very subjective matter. It's quite apparent many folks are more than happy with the handling which is of course great for them whereas others can find it a little lacking ('crashy', 'wallowy' with too much body roll).
It's a very personal thing, we all have different driving styles and expectations. Some are comparing to a large coachbuilt and others their BMW M5. This posting is clearly just for those that aren't so happy, go on their travels loaded to the max, or maybe have to tow from time to time.
So here follows a little write-up re the difference this has made to our Cali.
Firstly I need to qualify a few things for the sake of comparison to other owners.
We have a T6 beach which came from the factory with the uprated anti roll bars front and back.
We used to own a 2012 SE which I subsequently installed the larger 28mm rear ARB.
Due to the lesser weight, the Beach was always going to handle 'better' than the SE but it still rolled uncomfortably into the bends, all a bit bouncy over lumpy roads and (in my opinion) really wasn't a pleasant driving experience when off the major roads.
If one of your aims is to reduce the body roll then I would first recommend fitting the uprated rear ARB if you don't have it. It's a £112 part and easy DIY instal/local garage. I have a separate 'how to' posting on this somewhere on here with part nos, etc.
This T32 spring/ SACHs shock upgrade is applicable to all variants of the Cali whether SE,Beach,Ocean,4 motion,etc.
COSTS:
- The T32 springs (identified with 4 grey paint marks) cost me £25 from eBay practically new. (The owner, T5 (t32) 4motion had lowered his van from new so hence these were up for grabs). Plenty come up or can probably be purchased direct from Vansstyle or Merseyspeed. They can vary in price from free to £50 odd.
- The Sachs HD shocks (model 314725); £90 for the pair delivered from bestpartstore.co.uk
An alternative heavy duty shock would be the Bilstein B6 but you will pay considerably more for not necessarily a better shock. (The VW T4 SACHS HD proved just as good as the Bilstein B6s)
Simple instal, jack up rear, undo top and bottom shock bolts, the hub now drops allowing the removal of the spring. A little more agg. for the 4motion as the driveshafts don't low the hub to drop so far.
RESULTS:
- Rear lifted a good 3cm
- A firmer considerably less 'bouncy' ride with way less roll but no noticeable detriment (harshness) to the ride quality over bumps.
- Drives much more 'car' like round the twisties with a more planted feel, feels oddly lighter.
CONCLUSION:
For my needs this is a no brainer, way better than I'd hoped with the back lane driving experience now a pleasure. There is the matching SACHs HD front shocks which was to be my next course of action (keeping original springs) but honestly it drives so much better now I'm not sure I can be bothered to go further given the greater effort involved swapping out shocks up front plus tracking costs, etc.
There is another member on here I've been in contact with who is about to replicate this to his T5 SE including the rear ARB upgrade. I'm sure he'll post up his experiences and i obviously hope he finds a similar improvement albeit with the extra weight of the SE.
No concerns with your warranty either, in other climes these can be spec'd for the California (see last photo). PR-1BB refers to 'Suspension/shock absorption for rough road design'. Describes the UK roads quite well
though obviously your warranty won't cover any failure in these replaced parts!
This solution is in effect a milder version of the Pedders rear spring/shock conversion which I gather can give too much rear lift and rides too harshly.
APologies again for verbose post! Hopefully of interest to some. Happy days... Will.
Before...
HD SACHs replacing standard Monroes...
3xpink to 4xgrey...
After...
After with hand appearance...
Cali spring options...
