B14 - a (probably stupid) question...

[rmo69]

Since putting 19s on, the ride quality is a bit harsh and crashy, especially when not carrying anything. The thing is I don’t actually want to lower the suspension. So can you fit B14s and keep the stock ride height? And do B14s make the ride even firmer or more sophisticated as in better handling and compliance especially over the rough stuff.

I did search this before posting but couldn’t find anything specific. Thanks in advance.

 

[DaveyB]

You can set any ride height you want on B14’s. The technology behind Bilsteins should make for a more comfortable ride, however never heard of anyone installing them to keep standard height.

 

[Pauly]

But they will lower it, I think the range is 40-70mm lower maybe more ??

I am/was like you, not too worried about lowering but disliked the feel of standard suspension especially when cornering, not wanting to pay out big bucks for coilovers I went for 40mm springs hoping to firm it a bit and am not happy with the ride now.
My a T32 and carries little weight and it's too bouncy/crash on the back so am planning some new suspension at some point in the future

 

[rmo69]

Thing is I sometimes deliver to building sites and developments with horrendous surfaces and raised ironworks etc. If I lowered I’d be constantly paranoid about wrecking it.

 

[Pauly]

There are coilover kits that don't lower if you have a look around but if all you are interested in is comfort then look at the rest of the range B6/B8 dampers etc

 

[Chopman]

You could replace the dampers with something like a Bilstein B4 or B6 - standard height replacement to the VW unit.
Chilli Jam Vans VW T5 campervan conversions in Cornwall -

 

[Chopman]

Beat me to it @Pauly ....

 

[rmo69]

Didn’t realise you could do that. Does this affect the load rating on a T32?

 

[Chopman]

Bilstein do a version of the B4, B6, B8 etc specifically for the T32, so just make sure you get the right one.

 

[YellowHound]

It seems to me that your wheels are your problem. Why not look for a better wheel/tyre solution?
Just my 2p but it seems crazy to say 'I've fitted big wheels, now the ride is pants so I'll start changing other things'.
I think your problem is that you've whacked the unsprung mass up - better dampers will help-but.....

 

[rmo69]

@YellowHound thanks for the reply. The ride quality is not to the point that I can’t live with it (I used to have an ‘56 Audi S3 which was bone shatteringly harsh). My previous T5 was leased and so mods were either not allowed or pointless. I own this one, and whilst I admit I’m totally green, I plan to keep it awhile and I’m simply exploring options to make it a better experience. Oh and it took some serious work on my better half to persuade her on the virtues of some nice alloys. If it’s between ride quality and wheels, I’ll keep the wheels!

 

[rmo69]

@Chopman thanks for that, I’m delivering in Mansfield on Friday, will pop in to Vanstyle and get them priced up.