Can I run just a front ARB?

[A3_Atif]

Have the opp to pick up a new H&R ARB pretty cheap, both front and rear were on the to do list but since this has come up quite cheap, I was wondering if it'd be detrimental to the handling if I just stiffened the front up for now until I manage to get hold of a rear bar?

[GTI-Ross]

Have the opp to pick up a new H&R ARB pretty cheap, both front and rear were on the to do list but since this has come up quite cheap, I was wondering if it'd be detrimental to the handling if I just stiffened the front up for now until I manage to get hold of a rear bar?

Do not stiffen the front roll bar before doing the rear, super bad idea. Wait until you can pick up a rear and fit together.

[A3_Atif]

Have the opp to pick up a new H&R ARB pretty cheap, both front and rear were on the to do list but since this has come up quite cheap, I was wondering if it'd be detrimental to the handling if I just stiffened the front up for now until I manage to get hold of a rear bar?

Do not stiffen the front roll bar before doing the rear, super bad idea. Wait until you can pick up a rear and fit together.

Cheers, thought it wouldn't be too good considering car understeers as it it.. but wasn't sure how much of a difference it'd make.

[rich83]

Have the opp to pick up a new H&R ARB pretty cheap, both front and rear were on the to do list but since this has come up quite cheap, I was wondering if it'd be detrimental to the handling if I just stiffened the front up for now until I manage to get hold of a rear bar?

Do not stiffen the front roll bar before doing the rear, super bad idea. Wait until you can pick up a rear and fit together.

Cheers, thought it wouldn't be too good considering car understeers as it it.. but wasn't sure how much of a difference it'd make.

@olethalb

[olethalb]

  thanks Rich, single worst thing i did was fit front arb with stock rear i've never witnessed understeer like it 

Initial turn in was good then as you get into the corner it felt like the whole weight of the car was on the front outer wheel and that, that wheel had a flat tyre 

[A3_Atif]

Lol didn't think it'd be too good of an idea, where would I be able to source a h&r rear arb from now I guess is the question... Wasn't there someone selling here? Had a look through and haven't been able to find the post again!

[flashp]

thanks Rich, single worst thing i did was fit front arb with stock rear i've never witnessed understeer like it 

Initial turn in was good then as you get into the corner it felt like the whole weight of the car was on the front outer wheel and that, that wheel had a flat tyre 

@ OP - Also have a think about getting a mod done to get you toward -2'ish degrees of negative camber - I went for TTRS arms but there are ball joints available and adjustable top plates. I have -2.85 but it gets used on track every now and then. I also have Michelin PSS which are far better than the usual suspects. Console bush/WALK kit of one brand or another will help you as well. 

[rich83]

I don't know how you run that much camber and still retain decent straight line grip. My car is noticeably less grippy in a straight line (mainly noticeable in the wet) but much more grippy in corners with 1'45* camber.

[flashp]

Wet has always been a problem (as much as you would expect in a fwd) which may be mitigated somewhat by the Wavetrac LSD. As accepted, high HP fwd cars need more considerate throttle modulation. I can't say I've noticed the TC light showing itself anymore than it ever used to.

[teo_parvu]

Rich, me, fuscobal, rex, drsilviuro, bogdanbd and Acidutzaul all run with -2.3, -2.5 negative camber and it's still ok in straight line.

Atif, this is such an understeering platform that some of us have opted not to use the usual kits, 26mm front with 22mm rear or 28mm front with 24 rear, but to combine these 2 using 26mm front and 24mm rear ARBs. It' never a good ideea to have a stiffer front than rear, you'll increase the awful understeer.
My setup is 26mm front soft, 24mm rear hard, to reduce understeer.

[rich83]

Maybe i need a LSD 

[teo_parvu]

Maybe i need a LSD 

For sure! 

[flashp]

Maybe i need a LSD 

I couldn't overstate how much of a positive difference it's made. In the wet (I mean very wet) you can really grab the car by the scruff of the neck so to speak and enjoy yourself. Tenacious and confidence inspiring is how I'd describe it in poor conditions. Huge fun...arguably more entertaining than dry.

Understandably many are put off as it's not a mod that will be reversed usually. There's no guarantees but I might hope that because of this and it being a relatively rare mod and the fact that it works so well, that when sold the car may fetch a small premium for it. However...I don't care as mines not being sold anytime soon so I will have had my money's worth! 

I've talked with Jim at JKM about mine and how well it's turned out (they've done all of the work) and he asked me what I'd have next. I realised then that I'd have to spend HUGE money to get something worth changing for. As a package mine has turned out so well I'm still in love with it 3.5 years later!  There's no one area that disproportionately better than another. I think 'ameliorated' is a better word to describe mine now and I know that there are other vehicles here that are better described this way so I'm not claiming exclusivity on this one!

The stigma of modifying needs to change. The Golf is very average at best when stock, albeit a very good quality average 

Most people here know what the weaknesses are but many appear here looking for a standard car then set about correcting everything that they feel needs addressing...which is usually what they didn't want to be on the car they bought

The moment people become happy to pay something for correctly specified, supplied and fitted parts will be the day the landscape changes for the better for many of us. Also accepting that the ordinary punter would know camber angle from Camber Sands. 

[GTI-Ross]

I will have the H&R 28mm / 24mm ARB kit for sale from Saturday, keep an eye on the for sale section