Hey polo people. Finally going to tap my '83 bready with the lowering stick. After much deliberation, all i'm doing is switching out the stock springs with a set of eibach pro kit springs. As i already have slightly bigger and wider steel wheels than the stock ones, any lower than the 40mm the eibachs claim to lower and i could potentially run into more problems than it's worth. At this point, i'm not sure if the stock shocks are in need of replacing. If they do, can anyone advise on a suitable replacement? I've found a whole set of oil filled shocks including bump stops on German ebay for about £90 with postage. These are unbranded. I've also found Bilstein b4's that are a bit more and gas for a bit more, and Sachs, not sure if oil or gas to be honest, for a bit more than that. 

Is there an advantage of gas over oil? Has anyone got any xp points with any parts of that set up? Eibachs with stock, equivalent or uprated shocks?

Thanks as always for stopping by and any guidance or opinion you can leave. 

I've just fitted some of the Bilstein B4's on the fronts. They seem so much better, but having said that, the old shocks had been on for 25 years, if yours are original, even longer for you.

 

If you're lowering, replace the shocks. There's a general consensus that the standard ones don't like lowering anyway, so with them  being as old as they are, it would be best. 

 

Would also recommend replacing the top mounts etc. The Febi ones are all over eBay.

 

Top tip: some of the shocks you buy don't fit quite right, drop a 2p in the strut before you load your new shock cartridge in, will take up some of the space, or they rattle (I learnt about this the hard way).

 

 

Cool. Thanks dude. Was looking at the B4's actually. Springs turned up today. Should be fitting them in next couple weeks. Will post pics. Thanks again. 

Shocks and springs done!! Pics to follow soon. Haven't seen a massive difference in how she sits but i'm kinda expecting that. The difference in the drive is incredible! I'm pretty sure everything i changed was what it came out of the factory with!!! Shocks, springs, bump stops and top mounts. Took the old shocks off, pushed them in with my hand, no resistance at all and they just stayed there. Rear bump stops, or what was left of them, pretty much crumbled to dust when i took the rears apart. But just wow! Massive difference. It is a bit crashy going over any bumps though. My only beef. Apart from that, very happy. Top pics are befores. 

These are the after shots. 

Front is sitting noticeably lower. Would have liked a bit more but what it is is fine. 

Can actually see it in this pic

I'm liking the wheels buddy 

 

I went all out on my coupe and replaced everything but did it all as cheap as possible. I got a pair of front shocks from eBay for £27 delivered, they where made by Monroe I think. The rears where around £32 posted and where the same make as the front. 

If your changing springs it does change the geometry so change everything at the same time doesn't only make sense in terms of having to take them off many times but also means less can go wrong with failing parts and also means you can enjoy the massive improvement all at once. 

 

Top mount rubber should deffinatly be changed, the rears come with the shocks and can perish over time. 

The lower front arms where £15 each delivered from eBay so makes sense to change them. That leaves the ARB bushes and rear beam bushes. It is a fair bit of effort, but believe me it completely transforms the car.

 

i only lowered the front with g40 spec springs to bring the nose down a bit, but the new rear shocks brought the rear up a good bit solved the problem :) if your using your car to move big things or actually use your boot then putting lowered rear springs isn't a good idea

Had to take the shocks out and do the 2p thing. Made a massive amount of difference. Things i replaced were:

front and rear springs, 

front and rear shocks,

front and rear bump stops,

dust covers and top mounts. 

Couldn't get hold of rear bump stops in time for the swap. Took what was left of the old ones, (literally everything we took off/replaced was what it left the factory wearing, the rear bump stops disintegrated as they came off,) to gsf, got the closest match and cut them down to fit. 

I do occasionally use it for shifting stuff but nothing that would cause an issue. would use my other car or rent a van for anything bigger. All mods i do are whenever budget will allow. I have arb blocks on my to-do list along with many other things. 

It looks good, any lower it would look like the suspension has collapsed (desirable to some) and means you can easily clear speed bumps and corner as hard as you want.

It is satisfying to know that you have changed them bit, and you can enjoy using the car for what it's meant for - driving :) 

i REALLY love when people get into the car and are seriously surprised at the ride, yes it's an older car but you would be hard pushed to find a new car that drives anything like these. 

 

I have read so much about these ARB blocks and I'd love to try them, but I can't justify paying that much for such a simple piece of kit, that and I'm not slammed so I doubt it would make that much difference.

Do you have a set? I'd be interested to see how they work on yours.

i was struggling to justify paying for a set of arb blocks , mines only slightly lowered and i dont really race around too hard in the polo , i have to say theyre worth doing, once theyre on you realise how much the old set up moved around , steering feels safer and more predictable and the braking feels firmer as the bar isnt moving around and letting the tca move

 

i got mine from ebay germany when the rate was a bit better ...

 

outer tca bushes are also well worth it  

I am genuinely happy with the results. Actually handles better than my mk7 golf tdi which is the family/everyday car. Takes off a little quicker too. Now have centre caps on and that makes a difference. I was toying with polybushes and i do believe they would be good for the car, because of the longevity, i don't really NEED to be encouraged to corner any faster than i do. The capability would be good so it may happen somewhere down the line. When oe parts need replacing. Only issue i have now is a clunk i get on full lock in either direction. Thanks for the love and help dudes.