Brake/Suspension upgrades

[syncromad]

I’m about to replace the brakes and suspension on my tired 89 Golf Syncro.

I’m not sure of the current setup but from the rust on the struts and drums I am guessing its mostly original (and dead!).

The pads, shoes and drums are certainly ready. The front struts have the strut top issue to resolve so I would like to upgrade as I go.

Brakes:
Not sure what they are but its discs front and drums rear. P/O hinted it might have GTi fronts but I am not so sure.

Suspension:
Totally standard with buggered rear springs and dodgy strut tops at the front.

I have a new set of Lesjofors -40mm lowering springs, bought for another Golf. Can I modify the rear springs (how much to cut?) to suit the Syncro?

Are strut tops specific to the model? My parts supplier isn’t clued up.

Whats a decent but cost effective brake upgrade, bearing in mind most of the consumables need replacement anyway. (I’m running 16″ wheels at the moment so clearance is OK).

Any help is gladly accepted. Just trying to get this one up and driving properly again within a budget.[]

[Chris S]

Brake upgrades here – http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/data/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=119

And here – http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/data/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1682

Suspension here – http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/data/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1693

The front suspension is identical to the 2WD model and so is easy to replace/modify, while at the rear the Syncro axle & differential are nearly 100 kilos heavier than the 2WD version & the 2wd rear springs are not strong enough to manage the extra weight, you need a spring with a minimum wire diameter of 11.5mm to carry the Syncro rear end, cut down progressively wound Passat rear springs work a treat, see photos.

http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/p.asp?arc=Chris+-+syncro+pics&page=6&basketid=562372803&size=9&tpxbasketid=&search=&sortby=datelastmodified&sortbydir=desc&cmd=show_item&i=6&big=0&gotourl=&p=6.Photos_ChrisS%2F_&basket_params=&basket_params_index=

http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/p.asp?arc=Chris+-+syncro+pics&page=7&basketid=562372803&size=9&tpxbasketid=&search=&sortby=datelastmodified&sortbydir=desc&cmd=show_item&i=2&big=0&gotourl=&p=6.Photos_ChrisS%2F_&basket_params=&basket_params_index=

[syncromad]

Thats great Chris.

Which model/model year would be best to get the Passat springs from?

Should I get standard/lowered and how much would they need chopping?

Sorry to be a pain. I’ll do the a/r bar once its going round corners properly []

[Chris S]

Passat 35i saloon any year, but make sure they have the closed coils at the top (same as the red pair shown sat in a box)

[holmes]

hi chris so i take it that these spring will need cutting by 1.5 inches. do you happen to know the vw partnumber for these springs.regards

[holmes]

ive had a word with my local factors for these springs but they don’t have a listing for a 35i passat, is there any other identification that could be used ie 4×4, engine size, year or registration,. regards.

[no such user]

It’s the Passat that was produced from the late 80’s to the early 90’s.

[Chris S]

These are not VW springs, they are aftermarket ones, from someone like Powertech or Eibach, the VW springs are not progressively wound.

I did try VR6 Syncro rear springs but I felt that they they were just a little too firm.

[Author]

Posts