Not as comfy as a car!

[Blueboy]

Hi not sure whether this should be in here or in the suspension forum but my other half is giving me massive grief that the van ‘isn’t as comfortable as my car used to be’. She says she feels riding in the passenger seat is too ‘wobbly and bumpy’ Is this a seat issue or is it a suspension issue or is this just a van issue and she needs to get used.
It’s a T30 4 motion, lowered 40mm on H&S coilovers on 20’s

 

[rod_vw]

Try riding in a similar van with standard suspension to compare.

I am suspicious that you will find your problem is all due to the suspension / tyre fitment.

 

[JasonW]

You'll get more comfort with a combination of things... 20's won't help... standard shocks won't help...

But remember its a van.... not a car... so whatever you do it won't be as comfortable as a car... but you can get it close....

 

[The Van Cave]

Hi not sure whether this should be in here or in the suspension forum but my other half is giving me massive grief that the van ‘isn’t as comfortable as my car used to be’. She says she feels riding in the passenger seat is too ‘wobbly and bumpy’ Is this a seat issue or is it a suspension issue or is this just a van issue and she needs to get used.
It’s a T30 4 motion, lowered 40mm on H&S coilovers on 20’s

Can you give us a bit more information on the specific suspension you had fitted? Depending on exactly what you already have it's usually possible to make big improvements to the ride comfort with suspension changes.

People often say that as a general rule 20s don't ride as comfortably as say a set of 18s, but I'm yet to see a van with any alloy wheel smaller than a 20 look as good as one with a nice set of 20s, so it's often a trade off between comfort and looks.

All that being said however, with a good quality tyre set at the right pressures and with quality suspension to control the weight of the wheel and help smooth out the bumps you can do pretty well with 20s and lowered suspension.

The T6 front seats aren't the most supportive, especially if the front passenger seat is a double rather than the single, but I wouldn't say that the single front seats are uncomfortable. The lack of support can be improved with a side foam bolster upgrade, which would have to be combined with a re-trim, but that's not really aimed at comfort as such, more to do with support.

The wobbly and bumpy issue is most likely to be suspension related. Also, if the wobble is a side to side body roll issue, that can be helped with upgraded anti roll bars. I would definitely like to know the specific suspension you are running, most likely start by upgrading that and then perhaps add upgraded ARBs afterwards if you still felt you needed them.

 

[VanDamMan]

Hi..... I’m on 18” 30mm lower and aftermarket shocks ...it’s great...but what might look nice doesn’t always ride nice

 

[Blueboy]

Can you give us a bit more information on the specific suspension you had fitted? Depending on exactly what you already have it's usually possible to make big improvements to the ride comfort with suspension changes.

People often say that as a general rule 20s don't ride as comfortably as say a set of 18s, but I'm yet to see a van with any alloy wheel smaller than a 20 look as good as one with a nice set of 20s, so it's often a trade off between comfort and looks.

All that being said however, with a good quality tyre set at the right pressures and with quality suspension to control the weight of the wheel and help smooth out the bumps you can do pretty well with 20s and lowered suspension.

The T6 front seats aren't the most supportive, especially if the front passenger seat is a double rather than the single, but I wouldn't say that the single front seats are uncomfortable. The lack of support can be improved with a side foam bolster upgrade, which would have to be combined with a re-trim, but that's not really aimed at comfort as such, more to do with support.

The wobbly and bumpy issue is most likely to be suspension related. Also, if the wobble is a side to side body roll issue, that can be helped with upgraded anti roll bars. I would definitely like to know the specific suspension you are running, most likely start by upgrading that and then perhaps add upgraded ARBs afterwards if you still felt you needed them.

Hi thanks all I know re the suspension is that it’s on H&R 40mm lowering springs - it’s a Leighton van and this was how I bought it. And good idea re the roll bars I hadn’t thought of that

 

[Blueboy]

Hi..... I’m on 18” 30mm lower and aftermarket shocks ...it’s great...but what might look nice doesn’t always ride nice

Thanks yes I’ve heard others say that as well

 

[The Van Cave]

Hi thanks all I know re the suspension is that it’s on H&R 40mm lowering springs - it’s a Leighton van and this was how I bought it. And good idea re the roll bars I hadn’t thought of that

Ok, so best place to start is by upgrading the shocks. The -40mm springs you mention with standard shocks are well known to be less than ideal. If you want to keep the -40mm drop try upgrading the shocks to some Koni Sport shocks. Steve @CRS Performance can help you with that.

Many other members on here have had a similar upgrade from Steve and all have commented on how good it is. Once you've done that, then consider the ARB upgrade. That won't help comfort as such, the shocks will do that. The ARBs will help reduce body roll through corners and make the van feel more car like to drive.

What tyre pressures and sizes are you running on the 20s?

 

[VanDamMan]

Just as an idea... you could always come over to the Brook meadow camp out in September ( or as day visitor ) 40 ‘ish vans to compare with before you make expensive changes....or set up a meet ..so try before you buy

 

[Jayjmac]

Roll bars are the best hidden mod! And will stop the wobble. It’s bar far the best mod I’ve done.

please just checkout other suspension before you spend ££. The lower you go the the more comfort you lose.. Plenty of excellent options out there. I would recommend trying

I’ve run my suspension at rock bottom and it was the worst experience. When it was on the high setting it was great. I opted for a middle ground. My missus is always moaning about it! The swivel seat is also not helping my argument that low looks COOL I know the grief your getting.

Tyres and pressure will also help.

 

[Blueboy]

Ok, so best place to start is by upgrading the shocks. The -40mm springs you mention with standard shocks are well known to be less than ideal. If you want to keep the -40mm drop try upgrading the shocks to some Koni Sport shocks. Steve @CRS Performance can help you with that.

Many other members on here have had a similar upgrade from Steve and all have commented on how good it is. Once you've done that, then consider the ARB upgrade. That won't help comfort as such, the shocks will do that. The ARBs will help reduce body roll through corners and make the van feel more car like to drive.

What tyre pressures and sizes are you running on the 20s?

Thanks for that. I’m thinking a trip to CRS is a good idea. I’m on 275’s all round and 40psi all round as well. (My head burst when I started looking at everyone’s views on tyre pressure )

 

[Blueboy]

Roll bars are the best hidden mod! And will stop the wobble. It’s bar far the best mod I’ve done.

please just checkout other suspension before you spend ££. The lower you go the the more comfort you lose.. Plenty of excellent options out there. I would recommend trying

I’ve run my suspension at rock bottom and it was the worst experience. When it was on the high setting it was great. I opted for a middle ground. My missus is always moaning about it! The swivel seat is also not helping my argument that low looks COOL I know the grief your getting.

Tyres and pressure will also help.

Thanks, I’m on 275’s and 40 psi all round - about right or way off ?

 

[The Van Cave]

Thanks for that. I’m thinking a trip to CRS is a good idea. I’m on 275’s all round and 40psi all round as well. (My head burst when I started looking at everyone’s views on tyre pressure )

As with most things there are lots of opinions on tyre pressures. I run 36 psi and having previously run 40 psi I can say that it does make a difference to the comfort. Tyre wear has been consistent across the tread at 36 so it seems about right. Perhaps give that a go and see if it works for you.

 

[Blueboy]

Just as an idea... you could always come over to the Brook meadow camp out in September ( or as day visitor ) 40 ‘ish vans to compare with before you make expensive changes....or set up a meet ..so try before you buy

Hi I got to the November meet and was hoping to do this at the April NW meet you told me about but then we went into lockdown. I’m hoping to get to Septembers even if just the day

 

[Paynewright]

What seat do you have? SWMBO hated the double bench seat but really likes the captains seat with arm rests.

I’m running H&R -40 springs, koni shocks and std roll bars with 18” amarok steels and the ride is good - not too firm / harsh but still corners nicely.

Ian

 

[Blueboy]

What seat do you have? SWMBO hated the double bench seat but really likes the captains seat with arm rests.

I’m running H&R -40 springs, koni shocks and std roll bars with 18” amarok steels and the ride is good - not too firm / harsh but still corners nicely.

Ian

Single with arm rests, I might get a retrim at some point to add bolster and side support. I think the first thing though from replies is to look at the shocks

 

[Paynewright]

I think the 20” wheels will be part of the issue. @Tourershine has just put banded 18s on his and commented the ride is better.

 

[The Van Cave]

I think the 20” wheels will be part of the issue. @Tourershine has just put banded 18s on his and commented the ride is better.

Dont forget Paul was running tightly stretched low profile 245 tyres, which aren't helpful for ride quality and he's slammed down really low. The 275/40 the OP is running will be more comfortable when run at a slightly lower pressure than he does now and with a decent quality shock to work with the -40mm springs he has. The 18s Paul is now using will no doubt improve his ride, but 20s shouldn't immediately be discounted in all cases.

 

[Jayjmac]

Thanks, I’m on 275’s and 40 psi all round - about right or way off ?

I know my 18s with 40 psi and a 255/45 are a dream compared to my 245/40 on my 19s

but.... I ran 20s with a 55mm drop just on springs and standard shocks it was horrendous but I changed shocks and suspension and down to the 18s mention above with the ARB and it was really a dream to drive at 100mm drop. Since then I’ve messed around with wheels and taken it lower.

 

[dubber36]

Out of interest, are you driving it 'like a car'?