Powerflex bushes and top mounts being replaced tomorrow on mine at crs.Well 25hrs to go until my appointment at CRS to have the B14s removed and H&R full coil overs and ARBs fitted
The Pursuit of Suspension Happiness
- Thread starter The Van Cave
- Start date
Maybe see you there ?
Yeah il be there first thing..
If I'd kniw there were a few there I would have called in for a mini meet as I wasnt a million miles away. Need to get the adjuster deletes on my rear springs fitted at some time. :/
So I’ve been to see Steve at CRS this morning and had the B14s removed and the H&R kit fitted including ARB’s fitted and I must say what a transformation.
They do exactly what Steve told me and it’s a lot smoother, reduction in road noise, no clattering over speed bumps, no more front end tucking in on bends All in all well worth the trip and the money.
In my opinion after having lowering springs then B14s I would miss out both of them and just go with the H&R setup.
I honestly think if you have a camper or heavy van the B14s aren’t really a good choice because of the design of the rear spring as you can see in the picture.
When I got there and before any work started Steve went through what I wanted and then advised me on what he thought would be the best way to achieve itI am so happy with the outcome and look.
Excellent job and one very happy customer.
They do exactly what Steve told me and it’s a lot smoother, reduction in road noise, no clattering over speed bumps, no more front end tucking in on bends All in all well worth the trip and the money.
In my opinion after having lowering springs then B14s I would miss out both of them and just go with the H&R setup.
I honestly think if you have a camper or heavy van the B14s aren’t really a good choice because of the design of the rear spring as you can see in the picture.
When I got there and before any work started Steve went through what I wanted and then advised me on what he thought would be the best way to achieve itI am so happy with the outcome and look.
Excellent job and one very happy customer.
Last edited:
I've finally chosen what I'm going to be fitting to my van. The more I've thought about it, the more the choice became pretty obvious to be honest. From the three setups I've tried there is one that works out clearly ahead of the other two. My choice is......
.......H&R/Koni coil overs.
Why?
Simply because they do everything that I wanted my new suspension setup to do:
1. They ride really well. My original brief was to keep what was good about the B14s and improve comfort. As reported earlier in this thread they most definitely do that.
2. They go as low as my current setup. They'll go 80mm down which is pretty much what I've got now, so I should be able to run without the front machined top mounts. (Maybe I'll keep them and see if I can get away with a little more low at the front
)
3. They are great value for money. Not quite as good on this as the ST X, but the ST X just don't go low enough, so they're not for me.
4. They are a beautifully engineered genuine threaded body coil over. Ultimately, where ride quality and performance is concerned this point doesn't matter, but if you're spending anything like these sums of money on suspension isn't it better to know that it was always designed to be a height adjustable coil over kit rather than an existing catalogue part standard shock that's been modified to accept an adjustable height sleeve? I think it is. Also, I know you never actually see them once they're fitted, but the machined stainless steel front shock bodies are a thing of beauty!
5. They're damping rate adjustable. I'll probably never make use of this, I won't be track daying the van, but it's nice to be able to say it.
I still want to try a set of the Twin Monotube Projekt, especially the max low ones, but I just haven't been able to arrange anything local enough to make this happen. If I really have to, I might just buy a kit and fit them to my van once the business is up and running. If I decide they're not for me, perhaps a customer could make use of a slightly reduced price set.
If you've been following this thread and it's helped you out in any way that's great. We're all different at the end of the day and often want different things from our vans, but anyone wanting the same things as me would be hard pressed to find a better option than the Koni/H&R kit.
Cheers all.
.......H&R/Koni coil overs.
Why?
Simply because they do everything that I wanted my new suspension setup to do:
1. They ride really well. My original brief was to keep what was good about the B14s and improve comfort. As reported earlier in this thread they most definitely do that.
2. They go as low as my current setup. They'll go 80mm down which is pretty much what I've got now, so I should be able to run without the front machined top mounts. (Maybe I'll keep them and see if I can get away with a little more low at the front
)3. They are great value for money. Not quite as good on this as the ST X, but the ST X just don't go low enough, so they're not for me.
4. They are a beautifully engineered genuine threaded body coil over. Ultimately, where ride quality and performance is concerned this point doesn't matter, but if you're spending anything like these sums of money on suspension isn't it better to know that it was always designed to be a height adjustable coil over kit rather than an existing catalogue part standard shock that's been modified to accept an adjustable height sleeve? I think it is. Also, I know you never actually see them once they're fitted, but the machined stainless steel front shock bodies are a thing of beauty!
5. They're damping rate adjustable. I'll probably never make use of this, I won't be track daying the van, but it's nice to be able to say it
.I still want to try a set of the Twin Monotube Projekt, especially the max low ones, but I just haven't been able to arrange anything local enough to make this happen. If I really have to, I might just buy a kit and fit them to my van once the business is up and running. If I decide they're not for me, perhaps a customer could make use of a slightly reduced price set.
If you've been following this thread and it's helped you out in any way that's great. We're all different at the end of the day and often want different things from our vans, but anyone wanting the same things as me would be hard pressed to find a better option than the Koni/H&R kit.
Cheers all.
Good write up Chris, I often wish my B14's were a bit softer, especially over the poor roads in Bristol, however, they are a big improvement over stock. I don't think I can justify the cost of a change until mine need replacement though. I have considered some H&R ARB's to take some of the roll out in the bends.
I would be keen to see (feel) how yours rides with the new set-up...
I would be keen to see (feel) how yours rides with the new set-up...
I had the same dilemma as I already had the B14s but to be honest I’m so glad I changed over,
I sold my used B14s for £500 so I decided that putting the extra in for a full new set up was worth it.
As soon as I drove over the first speed bump out of Steve’s I could tell that it was worth it.
The roads were quieter bumps weren't as Harsh so all in all I love it.
Ditch the B14 and go for it you won’t be disappointed at all .
How did the van drive home Mark do the bushes feel any different ??
Once I've made the change you'll be welcome to come and have a go Paul, we're not a million miles from each other after all. I could supply and fit you some ARBs whilst you're here, with a small forum member/early customer discount perhaps!
Did you ever get to try the Projekt max low kit?? stuck in the same dilemma between H&R/Koni and them!I've finally chosen what I'm going to be fitting to my van. The more I've thought about it, the more the choice became pretty obvious to be honest. From the three setups I've tried there is one that works out clearly ahead of the other two. My choice is......
.......H&R/Koni coil overs.
Why?
Simply because they do everything that I wanted my new suspension setup to do:
1. They ride really well. My original brief was to keep what was good about the B14s and improve comfort. As reported earlier in this thread they most definitely do that.
2. They go as low as my current setup. They'll go 80mm down which is pretty much what I've got now, so I should be able to run without the front machined top mounts. (Maybe I'll keep them and see if I can get away with a little more low at the front
3. They are great value for money. Not quite as good on this as the ST X, but the ST X just don't go low enough, so they're not for me.
4. They are a beautifully engineered genuine threaded body coil over. Ultimately, where ride quality and performance is concerned this point doesn't matter, but if you're spending anything like these sums of money on suspension isn't it better to know that it was always designed to be a height adjustable coil over kit rather than an existing catalogue part standard shock that's been modified to accept an adjustable height sleeve? I think it is. Also, I know you never actually see them once they're fitted, but the machined stainless steel front shock bodies are a thing of beauty!
5. They're damping rate adjustable. I'll probably never make use of this, I won't be track daying the van, but it's nice to be able to say it
I still want to try a set of the Twin Monotube Projekt, especially the max low ones, but I just haven't been able to arrange anything local enough to make this happen. If I really have to, I might just buy a kit and fit them to my van once the business is up and running. If I decide they're not for me, perhaps a customer could make use of a slightly reduced price set.
If you've been following this thread and it's helped you out in any way that's great. We're all different at the end of the day and often want different things from our vans, but anyone wanting the same things as me would be hard pressed to find a better option than the Koni/H&R kit.
Cheers all.
Unfortunately not no, not very helpful, sorry. I'm going to PM you though, because I may have something of interest for you.Did you ever get to try the Projekt max low kit?? stuck in the same dilemma between H&R/Koni and them!
Nothing good ever comes from extra low in my opinion , A few of our customers chose the 80 mm route and were not happy with the comfort , Kits this low bottom out too soon to offer hi levels of comfort . 50 to 65 mm always gives good results ( with decent equipment of course ) , these are specialist kits more suited to show vans not every day use .Did you ever get to try the Projekt max low kit?? stuck in the same dilemma between H&R/Koni and them!
Talk to a specialist and let them explain technically why the results are poor before purchasing these kits
I was asked to fit a extra low kit for a client 3 weeks ago, claims of 35 to 130 mm drops were made by the manufacturers . ( Client wanted a sensible 120 mm Ha Ha ) I promised to do the work for free if we could get 120 mm with out mods which he wasnt prepared to do .
110 mm is where we got it to so he paid us !! . But let me give you a insight to the ride quality because the kit had really poor build quality ( £700.00 ) .
On a smooth carpark tarmac surface i managed 100 yards before turning around and handing the vehicle over wishing the owner all the luck in the world
The ride was Disgusting . It would have been nicer if the suspension had been welded up .
The best quality in the world and the most money spent , Excessive drops are not comfortable !!! .
Great read, lots of detail in here which is hugely useful for some of us
What are you lowered to buddy?
Sooooo.......I'm awaiting the build and delivery of my new T32 Kombi, and would like to fit something better than the setup I currently have in my T6 T32 ( standard shocks, 40mm H&R springs). I will be lowering again 40mm , and fitting 18" alloys. I don't need any adjustment, I just want a more comfortable controlled ride.
What do the combined brains on here recommend, and, I'm a Yorkshireman, "every pound's a prisoner"
What do the combined brains on here recommend, and, I'm a Yorkshireman, "every pound's a prisoner"
Similar threads
