More extreme suspension?

[guzzi]

I know there have been a few threads on this but I don't think another one can hurt too much

Depends on your definition of "extreme" of course, but....

As you might have seen from my ramblings my van is rather like the woodman's axe in that have replaced most of the bl**dy thing (too late to pull up now!)

Well the next thing on the list is suspension because she is a bit saggy and wallowy. On its next visit to Brickwerks I was just going to get the whole lot whipped out and replaced with "standard" (dampers, springs some of the bushes etc.) but now I am thinking I might make it a bit more future proofed plus I would really like a bit of adjustment so I am considering a few of the options on Busmans site: -

http://www.busman.be/syncro%20underside.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The gowesty ones look good from an easy adjustment point of view and the GMB efforts should be able to take some serious stick.

Thing is, I don't really want to go to much higher (maybe in the future) mainly because I don't want to have to go to the expense of replacing all the wheels and tires just yet (and what's the point of going higher if I dont) but I might want to in the future.

And yes, I can barely justify more extreme suspension based on how I use it, but I have never let that kind of thing getting in the way of getting cool stuff in the past........?

So what's peoples latest thoughts? have I missed a potential solution?

[max and caddy]

I believe "standard" is no longer an option...sold out..

[guzzi]

Yep, I saw that too - another excuse to go a bit more "Baja"?

[Aidan]

if you push ever upwards you raise the centre of gravity and add load to the driveshafts and potentially other parts of the transmission, bigger wheels and tyres add loads to the brakes and the bearings and the suspension and reduce the effectiveness of those parts
I'd advise taking a drive of as many other syncros with different suspension as possible before spending money, many a set of cheap springs and dampers has appeared because someone bought something they didn't like and ended up taking off and selling on - beyond 20mm lift and probably 25kg wheels you have to really start looking at reinforcing / strengthening / replacing /modifying other things
Edna is all (renewed 5 years ago) standard springs and dampers 20mm lift 15" Mefros 215/75/15 MAX, mostly on stock 205R14C, original engine, standard 14" transmission and associated parts

[guzzi]

Very well put Aiden, and you should know!!

so, If I want to get the best compromise between lift, clearance and (slightly) bigger wheels what funky spring and damper set should I go for from Busman's list?

I am leaning towards the Gowesty Fox ones - has anyone out there used a set?

[lloydy]

I'm really happy with the ride quality of the Lidl springs with 16" shocks front trailmaster rears. The ride height is very high, but it all seems very controlled and well poised. Miles better than (probably worn) my standard set up. When lightly loaded ride height is 52cm, fully loaded 51cm, stripped to almost a bare shell 53cm.
I would recommend them with the slight warning of the 16" boot problem, which now seems solved with stretching the boots a bit. One of the reasons for me going higher was to fit bigger tyres to help with cruising speeds, i'll be going for 215/85/16 at some stage. I do have very light alloys which should counter the extra weight of the tyre

[guzzi]

Hmmm, I have no idea what my ride hight is, I will check tomorrow.

Also, I am not sure to what extent it is effected by the current saggy springs

[Aidan]

Fox shocks are racing shocks, you don't want rose joints on a road vehicle imho
original vw rubber damper bushes seem to be the best

[guzzi]

but, but, but......

I want it to look like this: -

and have these wheels: -


I have a nasty feeling that I might fall into my usual pattern of ignoring some very experienced and well founded advice of experts just because I like the way something looks!?

Ho-hum........

[Simon Baxter]

I'm trying to get on with this van of mine so I can test these spax coil overs.

[Oilline]

but, but, but......

I want it to look like this: -

and have these wheels: -


I have a nasty feeling that I might fall into my usual pattern of ignoring some very experienced and well founded advice of experts just because I like the way something looks!?

Ho-hum........

I agree and have nearly pressed the buy it button on the Go Westy web site many times. If you want we could see if they can do a deal on the shipping, or are they available direct from Busman?? Rose joints no problem for me, not an every day vehicle and they are rebuildable. Ive spoken to Milner Off Road Racing who are Fox dealers in the UK and they say they cannot supply them but they can service them.

[guzzi]

Sounds good, although I wont be buying until early next year?

I a want to check that Mr brickwerks is happy to fit them and stuff....

otherwise it sounds like a plan!

[Oilline]

I wouldnt mind seeing what Brickworks's Spax adjustable are like but it could be some time before Simon has chance to try them out. Im at the stage where i am going to need some suspension of some type so dont know how much longer i can hang on. Do you know if Busman is supplying Fox direct?

[Oilline]

P.S. I have a Griso too

[guzzi]

now that's weird, considering they are both very niche?!

You will tell me that you have a mk 1 insight in the minute! (ok, that might be taking it a bit too far - it really is niche! although I have that due to Olympic tightness when it comes to get-to-work transport rather than anything else, mind you I have learned to love it over time)

Is your guzzi black too?