Best Standard Ride Height suspension for a t6.1 ?

[dave_b]

I had t32 rear springs fitted today to stop the rear sagging. It still sags by 1cm when compared to the front.

My plan was to raise the van, with SoLow LFT and Install H&R ARB’s. This still may be my preferred option, they are fully adjustable and I know I can get front / rear ride height balanced.

But,

What are currently considered the best standard height suspension for t6,1 t28 that will solve the rear drop and work well with H&R ARB’s ?

 

[T6ARF]

I’d say speak to Steve @CRS Performance but as you’re down in Kernow, Chris @The Van Cave is your best bet.

 

[dave_b]

Hi. Yah I’m aware of Chris and Steve but don’t want to waste their time with my continual comments. I have a quote from Chris for SoLow LFT and ARB’s.

I just find it funny how no one really sells options for standard height setups. It’s either lower or lift kits.

 

[T6ARF]

I’m sure there must be a good shock absorber like a Koni that would work with standard springs?

 

[T6ARF]

@TallPaul_S has got it sorted….

By 30mm springs, you're meaning the VW sport line springs?

Don't. Just... Don't.

My Caravelle executive was bought with the std suspension (which is 20mm lower than a std van, the shocks are also slightly shorter) but with the sport line springs fitted (labelled VW677).

Prior to me buying it, it was fitted with 20" wheels, I chose to have it supplied with the std cascavel 17" wheels.

With the 17" wheels and 30mm lower springs, the actual ride height was 70mm lower than a std van, and 50mm lower than an executive Caravelle.

The ride was the worst ride in any car or van I've ever owned. Not only was it rock hard, with it crashing over bumps and potholes feeling and sounding like I'd hit a wall, it was choppy and unsettled over every road surface. Even on the smoothest road it would fidget like a child with ADHD and ants in their pants. It really wasn't nice to drive at all. The mudflaps scraped on small speedbumps too.

Here's a pic of how low it sat:
View attachment 272809

If you want to go lower, you need to change the suspension - the factory shocks aren't designed to operate at that low a ride height and the ride suffers massively because of it.

I got my Caravelle fixed by a visit to @CRS Performance for a set of Koni socks, std height springs, 20mm lift spacers and even then it still sits about 10mm down from a std height van. I'd also swapped the wheels out for AT tyres and fitted some H&R ARB's to stop any body roll and it now rides brilliantly. Smooth on every road, I can take speed bumps at more than a crawling pace and I've got nice ground clearance now.

I was constantly noticing how bad the ride was, ALL the time prior to the new suspension, I found myself driving along a smooth motorway and getting annoyed by the van constantly moving on every single bit of road, it felt tiring to drive. Now, I don't think about the suspension at all, which is a good thing!

View attachment 272811
View attachment 272812

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi. Yah I’m aware of Chris and Steve but don’t want to waste their time with my continual comments. I have a quote from Chris for SoLow LFT and ARB’s.

I just find it funny how no one really sells options for standard height setups. It’s either lower or lift kits.

We have the perfect standard height set up , its an Active shock that adjusts to the road surface , I E Higher damper shaft speeds lower damper forces !! . Whats not to love .

 

[Brennanpj]

+1 for Koni active shocks & standard springs !
Very happy with mine fitted by Steve @CRS Performance to my t32 .

 

[Kind of Blue]

I have been a big KONI fan for many years. I favour those adjustable damping. the MacPherson strut variety is very easily adjusted from the top with the supplied wheel adjuster, small spanner or pliers. The rears a bit of a small faf needing at lest one end removing collapsing, engaging the screw and turning to adjust. KONI racing Dampers can be adjusted far easier for either rebound or compression damping adjustment. It is a pity that these or something like them was not available for production vehicles, standard or modified.

 

[CRS Performance]

I have been a big KONI fan for many years. I favour those adjustable damping. the MacPherson strut variety is very easily adjusted from the top with the supplied wheel adjuster, small spanner or pliers. The rears a bit of a small faf needing at lest one end removing collapsing, engaging the screw and turning to adjust. KONI racing Dampers can be adjusted far easier for either rebound or compression damping adjustment. It is a pity that these or something like them was not available for production vehicles, standard or modified.

Its simply a cost thing , car dampers £200 quid , Race dampers £1000.00 each

 

[Kind of Blue]

Obviously I have expensive tastes!