Getting older. Maybe towing soon. Atlanta roads suck. Considering going back to stock-ish.

[avenali312]

Hey all,

I've been reading a ton of threads lately and it's just getting overwhelming at this point. So, I figured I'd muddy the waters more and just make my own.

Currently on EMD springs and stock shocks and struts. Have been on this for about the past 45k. Stock units are definitely on their way out and need replaced, but with my plans of pulling a small, 5x7' or 5x8' trailer soon to get back into some motocross, I figured it might not be bad to add a little ride height. Race track driveways aren't known to be the smoothest dirt roads out there.

Thinking I'd like to go with something Bilstein for shocks and struts and possibly either DriverGear or H&R OE springs. Bilstein offerings in that range seem to be B4 or B6 (no DCC here to worry about). I do have my stock springs, but I'd rather not go back to a full 4x4 stance, so a mild sub-1" drop is preferred. No track use. Rarely drive sporty anymore, so Pothole City, USA compliance would be preferred.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[avenali312]

Bumping this back up.

Also considering changing over to a 17" wheel and a maybe like a 225/45 17 tire to see if that helps as well.

 

[j255c]

I run 17s and it made a dramatic difference.

I run 225/50/17. No issues with clearance. Stock R suspension.

 

[avenali312]

I run 17s and it made a dramatic difference.

I run 225/50/17. No issues with clearance. Stock R suspension.

Thanks, that's good to know.

 

[StorableComa]

I second going to 17s, smaller the better but due to brakes 17 is probably the smallest. Less chance of bending or breaking a rim too on crap roads, main reason why I won't upsize to 18" wheels.

 

[avenali312]

I second going to 17s, smaller the better but due to brakes 17 is probably the smallest. Less chance of bending or breaking a rim too on crap roads, main reason why I won't upsize to 18" wheels.

Yeah, non-PP GTI here, so clearance really shouldn't be a concern at all.

 

[avenali312]

I really do like my current stance, which is making this harder to deal with haha. The EMD springs have been great, but I know that @Hammersticks recommends the Koni Sports/Yellows with them because they're a softer spring. The Koni being a more firm and sportier feel may not be the right direction.

 

[j255c]

OP Heres the BBS in 17" w/ 225/50.

This is as much meat as you can get under there and also as small as you go can go w/ rims. Theres about 5mm of clearance with the R brakes.

 

[avenali312]

OP Heres the BBS in 17" w/ 225/50.

This is as much meat as you can get under there and also as small as you go can go w/ rims. Theres about 5mm of clearance with the R brakes.

Damn, that's a lot of tire haha. Love it.

Thinking about replacing these clapped out stock shocks and struts with Koni Special Active (FSD), putting the stock springs back on, and going to a 17" wheel like this. Maybe not quite a 50 sidewall, but 225/45.

 

[j255c]

Damn, that's a lot of tire haha. Love it.

Thinking about replacing these clapped out stock shocks and struts with Koni Special Active (FSD), putting the stock springs back on, and going to a 17" wheel like this. Maybe not quite a 50 sidewall, but 225/45.

I track my car on re11’s 17x8.5 with 245/45. Great combo.

 

[StealthGTI]

Some have recommended wheel/tire combo, probably to address the roads on which you expect to drive. Regarding the towing aspect of your question, if you plan to stay within an inch of factory ride height, I think you'll be fine with the trailer if you manage your tongue weight appropriately. The GTI's payload, that which is carried by the car itself, is ~1000 lbs including any weight you place on the tongue (see your door placard for specifics). Let's assume your trailer and bike(s) weight about 1000 lbs, that should mean about 100 lbs on the hitch, maybe 150 lbs if you like it heavier. Consider that to be weight in your trunk. If you need to transport cargo in addition to the tow, put anything more than an overnight bag in the trailer to keep the extra weight off the rear suspension. And, of course, you may need to traverse uneven driveways or terrain at an angle. I hope this helps.

 

[Rojito]

Hey Adam, I can’t remember how close you are to Newnan, but I have some time tomorrow morning if you want to check out how the H&R OE springs look in person.

 

[avenali312]

Some have recommended wheel/tire combo, probably to address the roads on which you expect to drive. Regarding the towing aspect of your question, if you plan to stay within an inch of factory ride height, I think you'll be fine with the trailer if you manage your tongue weight appropriately. The GTI's payload, that which is carried by the car itself, is ~1000 lbs including any weight you place on the tongue (see your door placard for specifics). Let's assume your trailer and bike(s) weight about 1000 lbs, that should mean about 100 lbs on the hitch, maybe 150 lbs if you like it heavier. Consider that to be weight in your trunk. If you need to transport cargo in addition to the tow, put anything more than an overnight bag in the trailer to keep the extra weight off the rear suspension. And, of course, you may need to traverse uneven driveways or terrain at an angle. I hope this helps.

Thanks, Scott. Helpful as always!

Hey Adam, I can’t remember how close you are to Newnan, but I have some time tomorrow morning if you want to check out how the H&R OE springs look in person.

I'm about an hour away. I think I've decided to just go back to stock springs though and go with the Koni Special Actives for shocks and struts. That will be phase 1 of the plan. Phase two will be 17" wheels and tires when my current tires are worn. Going away from OEM+ and back to OEM-ish haha.

 

[Rojito]

Thanks, Scott. Helpful as always!

I'm about an hour away. I think I've decided to just go back to stock springs though and go with the Koni Special Actives for shocks and struts. That will be phase 1 of the plan. Phase two will be 17" wheels and tires when my current tires are worn. Going away from OEM+ and back to OEM-ish haha.

I just drove up I-285. Bro, you don’t need OE suspension, you need Humvee suspension. Atlanta roads suuuuck!

 

[avenali312]

I just drove up I-285. Bro, you don’t need OE suspension, you need Humvee suspension. Atlanta roads suuuuck!

Yeah, I'm really surprised I haven't broken something yet. Definitely have a slight bend in at least two of my Laguna wheels though haha.

And oddly enough, I commute into one of the more affluent areas for work every day (Buckhead), and their back roads are some of the worst.