New rear shocks or coilovers?

[piston broke]

The rear shocks on my 170 MK5 are just about knackered, question is do I replace just the rears or go the whole hog, replace them all and get coil overs?


Car is a 57 plate with 162K, had an engine rebuild by VW at 100K due to a botched repair by them, previous to my ownership but confirmed by the local VW garage, I have a printout showing a £5K repair bill! Ouch.


I've found some Monroe heavy duty rear shocks on Ebay for £66 which would seam the best option for replacement rears, unless you can find better/cheaper.


No rush as I can use my 4Mo until sorted.


Andy B.

[flashp]

I think you need to work out what you want from you car first.
I take it yours is in original spec used as a daily driver? If this is the case then just do an OE refresh of springs, shocks and worn bushes. Followed by a good alignment.

I'd guarantee that all of your suspension components are way past their best.

[Panthera]

I am in that quandary too. The VAG specialist has quoted me £130 difference between OE or upgrade (Blistein B12) fitted with aligment. Is that a no brainer?  But the OE set-up does not seem to (what I have noticed) to damp very well, jumps from 'bump to bump' when driving down the road.

 

[th3_f15t]

Go hard or go home... Let me explain.

By the time you justify new coilovers, you'll need to replace the top mounts too as those will be very worn (more expense). And while it's all stripped down, why not get some poly bushes in there?

When I upgraded my GTI, I went all out and got coilover, anti roll bars and polybushes everywhere. It totally transforms the car, it's so much more enjoyable to drive (bit bumpy at low speeds but amazingly stable at high speeds). It really depends on both budget and how long you want to keep and use the car.

[flashp]

I am in that quandary too. The VAG specialist has quoted me £130 difference between OE or upgrade (Blistein B12) fitted with aligment. Is that a no brainer?  But the OE set-up does not seem to (what I have noticed) to damp very well, jumps from 'bump to bump' when driving down the road.

B12 pro-kit is excellent, I have it with a number of other suspension mods and it's an improvement over oe and is track capable. Can give rise to complementary mods and expense so be warned!

[Panthera]

I forgot to include above that the specialist quote for that price also has the top mounts being replaced.

I know what you mean getting expensive...slippery slope....

I am in that quandary too. The VAG specialist has quoted me £130 difference between OE or upgrade (Blistein B12) fitted with aligment. Is that a no brainer?  But the OE set-up does not seem to (what I have noticed) to damp very well, jumps from 'bump to bump' when driving down the road.

B12 pro-kit is excellent, I have it with a number of other suspension mods and it's an improvement over oe and is track capable. Can give rise to complementary mods and expense so be warned!