Did this yesterday using the 2 x 4 method and I must say compared to my old mk2 Polo, it was a piece of pi**. Very simple and nice not to have rusted bolts. Few tips below for anyone considering doing this themselves and although I'm a fairly competent mechanic, there was nothing difficult about this at all.
-Use the 2x4 with a hole drilled in and bolt it to the leg where the drop link bolt goes through. This was a great tip from above
-Make a spreader using an old Allen key. Think I used a 6 or 7mm with opposite edges radiused roughly. I have done a similar job on a Polo 9n before without a spreader and this made the job sooooooo much easier
-Use WD40 or similar on the strut/steering knuckle before attempting to move the knuckle down the strut. I sprayed it on first before doing anything else to give it time to soak in
-Use a hammer and piece of wood to 'massage' the knuckle off the strut
I did this on a 1.6 TDI with the fixed rear beam and there are a few differences in procedure when compared to the multilink vehicles (GTI etc.)
-For the rear, you need to unbolt both shock absorbers before the beam can be dropped far enough to get the spring out/in. this can either be done at the top where the mount bolts to the body or at the bottom where it mounts to the beam. I chose the top as the bolts weren't as tight! Get both springs in place then remount both shocks. You can't do each side independently as the beam won't drop far enough
-Since the ride height is higher and thus the springs are longer, you may need compressors when taking the front struts apart. I have read previously these are not needed but that was on a GTI (which had shorter springs)
Overall I'm stoked with the results. I added spacers (ECS flush kit) and mk4 R32 wheels and the stance is perfect IMO. Rubs a little so I think I need to have the spacers machined a few mm each side. Overall it looks awesome though.
Before
After
