[Kieran]

Not been on here for a few years, some older members might remember me as I had one of the first R32’s fitted with a Rotrex C38 and is still going strong (146k miles!) and is now converted to DSG.

Had the car serviced & MOT’d yesterday and a small amount of play in the front shocks where the shaft goes into the body was picked up, not enough for an advisory but need to keep an eye on.

Front shocks (1J0 413 031 ES) are NLA from VW and I haven’t been able to find an equivalent from Auto doc, Euro car parts GSF etc... the closest they can get is a V6 4motion
My understanding is the OE shocks are heavy duty (modified Bilstein B6?) so standard MK4/ V64MO are no good and no one lists a direct replacement. I have contacted Bilstein to see if they have anything and they don’t.

It’s starting to look like I’d have to go for something like coilovers as a replacement, but I don’t want to lower the car or alter the handling (I like it as it is).

So a couple of questions:

Has anyone had any success in finding a OE equivalent for the front shocks?

If not can coilovers be fitted and retain the stock ride height and damping etc.. if yes which ones?

 

[ChrisR32Blue]

Welcome back. Not in your position as I have mk5, but if I were, I'd be looking at koni special active. Gets you away from coilovers but gets a good quality damper that may be an improvement on OEM and not silly stiff.

 

[Kieran]

Welcome back. Not in your position as I have mk5, but if I were, I'd be looking at koni special active. Gets you away from coilovers but gets a good quality damper that may be an improvement on OEM and not silly stiff.

Unfortunately Koni only list the 2.8 4 motion and nothing for the MKIV R32 so no good

 

[ChrisR32Blue]

I can't see there being a massive difference between the 2 on dampers tbh. The big difference between 2.8 4mo and r32 was springs and roll bars. ( Both being much thicker/stiffer).

 

[Gti Fly]

Hi Kieran,

Have you looked at vwpartsinternational website ? They listed the MK4 suspension shocks and springs not long ago. Not cheap mind you .

 

[Kieran]

Hi Kieran,

Have you looked at vwpartsinternational website ? They listed the MK4 suspension shocks and springs not long ago. Not cheap mind you .

Yep, tried them, the front shocks and springs are out of stock. I added my name to the waiting list to be notified when they are available again, but not holding out much hope. They did have the rear shocks in stock so ordered a pair of them which are due to arrive next week.

Guess this is the reality of keeping a 20 year old car on the road as more parts become NLA

 

[Gti Fly]

Well that sucks. Lots of parts have become totally unavailable now.


Maybe it's time to consider running some bilstien or KW coilovers ?


If you run them at OEM ride height you should still be able to retain a good amount of wheel travel and ride comfort.
.it's when they are run low when the ride comfort is severely compromised.