T5 upgraded standard height suspension

[Vinny88]

Hi all

The suspension on my T5 (T28) has passed it's best, and I'm now looking at options for standard ride height, but with good handling (this is important). I don't want the jacked up Swamper look, but I won't mind if the van is slightly higher than standard.

Currently the van has a knackered set of JOM Coilovers, which for their price point have been fantastic for the 6 years of abuse I've thrown at them.

This morning I spoke with CRS Performance re. their Koni Adaptive damper setup, with HD T6 top mounts and T32 springs. My only hesitation is the dampers seem to get different reviews, some say they're the best thing since sliced bread, and others are disappointed. I would like the van not to wallow around when cornering, and compliant enough for a twisty A/B road. I'm not expecting performance car level of handling, I have other toys that scratch this itch for me

Bilstein B8s are cheaper than the Koni, but I'm wondering if the shortened B8 damper will lower the front ride height?



I've included a pic of my van, as you can see, it's pretty low, especially on the back

Thanks
Vinny

 

[Bav]

Surely your reservations about the solution CRS proposed would have been best discussed with CRS?

 

[Vinny88]

Surely your reservations about the solution CRS proposed would have been best discussed with CRS?

Oh, I only heard about the Koni dampers after talking to the helpful bunch at CRS. It was only then I started researching the dampers and, well, here we are.

 

[Bav]

Okay, in which case I'd be minded to go back to CRS to discuss your concerns.

Personally, I'd always take Steve's advice over internet chatter, as you're never going to get the full story from someone complaining about Konis on the internet - perhaps they've matched them with the wrong springs or something similar - who knows.

Steve has a great rep on the forum and many glowing recommendations, though, even on here, there are those that don't necessarily agree with everything he recommends, all of the time.

 

[Vinny88]

Okay, in which case I'd be minded to go back to CRS to discuss your concerns.

Personally, I'd always take Steve's advice over internet chatter, as you're never going to get the full story from someone complaining about Konis on the internet - perhaps they've matched them with the wrong springs or something similar - who knows.

Steve has a great rep on the forum and many glowing recommendations, though, even on here, there are those that don't necessarily agree with everything he recommends, all of the time.

Thanks for the reply.

I hear you, I just didn't want to keep bugging CRS with my many questions, hence why I started a thread on here, but I totally appreciate what you're saying.

I really don't want to make a mistake by choosing the wrong suspension, as I've been there with tyres before and it cost me a fortune. Damn BMW tax

 

[Bav]

I'm sure he'll put up with the questions if you end up buying from him.

 

[Dublife]

I know this is an old post but Vinny88 had same problem as me . Mine is a 2007 SWB T5 with camper conversion. She wallowed around like and old pig and thumped over all bumps and pot holes .
After a lot of reading on these forums I contacted Steve at CRS Performance and booked in for their recommended upgrade. They are 90 miles from me so it was a bit of a day out .
Fitted their Definition kit which is their own rear springs with adjusters and shorter Koni dampers . Front has standard new shocks H&R I think .
Did the job in 3hrs flat whilst I waited . Very adept guys , knew what they were doing and very helpful explaining what they were fitting and why .
Changed drop links as they were past best and also fitted new T6.1 front top mounts as the old T5 ones where shot.
whole thing lowered about 35-40mm , certainly NOT a slammed look . She sits more or less level front to back , no sagging on the back.

She now drives like a car !!! these guys are magic working some kind of alchemy !
Within 100 yards on the test drive after fitting i could not stop grinning .

Ok shes still a camper bus , but now its rock sold on the motorway , no wobbling and drifting on overtaking . A and B roads corners , she goes round flat not letting me tilt from side to side hanging on to steering wheel for dear life like before !

OK its not cheap, but for all the work done I was more than happy. Upgrading to a newer van would have cost loads more and i still would maybe have had issues . At least i know what problems my old girl has .

Steve and the team could not have been more pleasant and even when and ABS light came on during the test drive , they sorted it out ordering and fitting a new sensor within the hour when we got back to workshop.

Highly recomended