Lowering suspension

[Tinbasher]

Hi guys & gals,

I have a 2017 transporter kombi high line which is my second transporter ( big fan )

This model sits really high on the suspension, probably over 100mm from tyre to wheel arch ! The ride - suspension/ handling I cannot fault, but getting in & out the back are a pain - plus I often take my Triumph speed twin with me as my transport on sites: & want to drop it 50/75mm max ??

I don’t want a fancy brand (arm & leg £££ ) just sensible kit I can fit myself !

I’m a skilled fabricator & thought about using the existing kit & just buying new springs, but some “expert with pound notes in mind” told me that’s not possible. That’s like a red rag to a bull for me !! Any ideas fully appreciated.

 

[ginkster]

You can fit new lowering springs (e.g. H&R) but in my experience they make the ride harsh and upset the handling as the standard shocks aren’t suitable with the drop. Others will undoubtedly say it’s fine but mine was awful and I ended up changing the lot.

 

[Kind of Blue]

As above if you are going to the trouble of removal of suspension it would be worth while changing the shocks at the same time as the shorter springs. The original fit dampers are not the best in the first place and deteriorate and become even less effective in a short while. Of course costs are always an issue these days for most of us but in the long term it might be cheaper to do the whole thing, springs and shocks in one go. My own preference is for Koni adjustable they can be set to taste so to speak but also for ware and over the longer term would work out cost effective. Of course it is up to you and you circumstances. I would also recommend fitting springs that are of a known reputation and quality. There are suppliers and supply and fit outlets on this forum. You could ask them for the best advice. You could even buy from them and fit yourself. There is a section on suspension on the forum and perhaps one or more answers might come from these outlets.

Wish you luck wit what ever you decide and enjoy you motorcycling.

 

[CAB]

Welcome to the forum.

If it is lowering you want, you are not far from @Dav-Tec

 

[DanW81]

Have a chat with steve at CRS performance.
If finances dictate, spend the extra pennies for something better than going the cheap route.

 

[Tinbasher]

Hi guys & gals,

I have a 2017 transporter kombi high line which is my second transporter ( big fan )

This model sits really high on the suspension, probably over 100mm from tyre to wheel arch ! The ride - suspension/ handling I cannot fault, but getting in & out the back are a pain - plus I often take my Triumph speed twin with me as my transport on sites: & want to drop it 50/75mm max ??

I don’t want a fancy brand (arm & leg £££ ) just sensible kit I can fit myself !

I’m a skilled fabricator & thought about using the existing kit & just buying new springs, but some “expert with pound notes in mind” told me that’s not possible. That’s like a red rag to a bull for me !! Any ideas fully appreciated.

Hi Guys, & thanks for the replies !
I’m new to this forum stuff & hope you see this.
I was more or less forced into going ahead with suspension work, when it failed mot for rear broken springs !! So bit le bullet, so to speak.
Went to Vanstyle Bilsthorpe, for technical advice & ideas but just showed me what they stock for a 50mm drop & no advice !
Came away with H&R front/back springs & cups (£260) which I was pleased with, & thinking: hope this is not a mistake.
Fitted them all with a bit of help from a tech guy who replaced some other failure bits: & to be honest, the springs went well, looks nice & the ride/handling is still as good as it was, Result !!
It’s now easier to get in & out back/side & front: making it easier to get my speed twin aboard with more confidence, & transferring myself from rear awning, to back of van - my old legs approve !!
If anyone else is interested, I’m a retired fabricator ( as mentioned ) & have designed & developed some products to maximise my T6 experience for myself & pastimes: namely.
1/ Aluminium wheel arch cabinets for tidy storage.

2/ 180 deg rear triple seat system, that takes 2 mins to face the rear space.

3/ powder coated double drawer metal tool chest for campers, or tradesmen: that forms a double sleeping area also.

I only mention this as a side line that I find very useful & convenient: especially with my tailgate awning. ??

Thanks guys, & now ready to get some trips in my lovely Transporter !!
Any questions, please ask.
Very best wishes

 

[Fishinbrine]

Hi Guys, & thanks for the replies !
I’m new to this forum stuff & hope you see this.
I was more or less forced into going ahead with suspension work, when it failed mot for rear broken springs !! So bit le bullet, so to speak.
Went to Vanstyle Bilsthorpe, for technical advice & ideas but just showed me what they stock for a 50mm drop & no advice !
Came away with H&R front/back springs & cups (£260) which I was pleased with, & thinking: hope this is not a mistake.
Fitted them all with a bit of help from a tech guy who replaced some other failure bits: & to be honest, the springs went well, looks nice & the ride/handling is still as good as it was, Result !!
It’s now easier to get in & out back/side & front: making it easier to get my speed twin aboard with more confidence, & transferring myself from rear awning, to back of van - my old legs approve !!
If anyone else is interested, I’m a retired fabricator ( as mentioned ) & have designed & developed some products to maximise my T6 experience for myself & pastimes: namely.
1/ Aluminium wheel arch cabinets for tidy storage.

2/ 180 deg rear triple seat system, that takes 2 mins to face the rear space.

3/ powder coated double drawer metal tool chest for campers, or tradesmen: that forms a double sleeping area also.

I only mention this as a side line that I find very useful & convenient: especially with my tailgate awning. ??

Thanks guys, & now ready to get some trips in my lovely Transporter !!
Any questions, please ask.
Very best wishes

What van do you have? T30, T32? LWB, SWB, camper conversion? Combi van? All these things will make a huge difference when lowering the van, especially if just on springs.
I have a T32 LWB full camper conversion and I have only ever been warned away from springs only so far, so will be very interested to hear more about your van.

 

[Tinbasher]

As above if you are going to the trouble of removal of suspension it would be worth while changing the shocks at the same time as the shorter springs. The original fit dampers are not the best in the first place and deteriorate and become even less effective in a short while. Of course costs are always an issue these days for most of us but in the long term it might be cheaper to do the whole thing, springs and shocks in one go. My own preference is for Koni adjustable they can be set to taste so to speak but also for ware and over the longer term would work out cost effective. Of course it is up to you and you circumstances. I would also recommend fitting springs that are of a known reputation and quality. There are suppliers and supply and fit outlets on this forum. You could ask them for the best advice. You could even buy from them and fit yourself. There is a section on suspension on the forum and perhaps one or more answers might come from these outlets.

Wish you luck wit what ever you decide and enjoy you motorcycling.

Hi KOB, I just updated how I went on with my suspension jobski, & although I see it’s gone thru. I've more or less replied to myself it seems.
Also id like to ask, how do I add a pic of my van to my profile ??
I’m embarrassed I don’t know this stuff, especially when I know 3D cad design inside out

What van do you have? T30, T32? LWB, SWB, camper conversion? Combi van? All these things will make a huge difference when lowering the van, especially if just on springs.
I have a T32 LWB full camper conversion and I have only ever been warned away from springs only so far, so will be very interested to hear more about your van.

Hi, fishinbrine,
It’s a 2017 T32 H-Line tdi swb 150bhp & it always rode well, but tall in the arches !
I take your point exactly & been warned off springs only, as dampers don’t match - the ride will be all over the place etc etc.
But to be honest I saw a vid a guy did on springs only, & he sounded well informed & competent; with end result ok. That’s why I thought id get the springs & hope the shockers were ok ( 74k miles so should be ) & kept fingers crossed they took the drop, which up to now & some horrendous pot hole incidents ( more of them than road ) have been fine !
There’s a lot of negative info to filter & negotiate to deal with, but love to pass on the good bits I come across so we all help each other.
Thanks mate !

 

[Kind of Blue]

Afraid to say i do not have the slightest clue about uploading images for avatars. I would imagine it might be in the text somewhere in Forum information. It may even require a VIP membership but i do not know that either. I can say that VIP membership has many advantages so it may be worth your while reading through the information regarding this. For what it is worth i am only an ordinary member with the most basic facility so do not enjoy or know very much about all of the benefits of VIP alas. VIP Membership

 

[Tinbasher]

Afraid to say i do not have the slightest clue about uploading images for avatars. I would imagine it might be in the text somewhere in Forum information. It may even require a VIP membership but i do not know that either. I can say that VIP membership has many advantages so it may be worth your while reading through the information regarding this. For what it is worth i am only an ordinary member with the most basic facility so do not enjoy or know very much about all of the benefits of VIP alas. VIP Membership

Will do mate, thanks

 

[JumpShip]

Hello and welcome Tinbasher .
Show us some pics of your van so we can have a nosey
To change avatar click on the T in the blue circle at the top of the page, then click on the blue T again and choose your image .