Buy all your VW California Accessories at the Club Shop Visit Shop

30-35mm Lift? NON-AIR BAG

chris ratay traveler

chris ratay traveler

Overlanding South America w T6.1 Ocean 204, 4M+
VIP Member
Messages
161
Location
Budapest
Vehicle
T6.1 Ocean 204 4 motion
I'm looking to lift my T6.1 van 30-35mm for off-road overland travel, and am quite happy with the feel/"stiffness" of the stock suspension. I see a lot of people go with Bilsteins, and wondering about options within them and other quality options. No air suspension.

I don't know what I don't know.

What should I be looking at when deciding between various spring/shock options, and why?

Can I use the stock dampeners if lifting 30-35mm?

The more details, the better. Specific product names and/or links would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Screenshot 2023-08-02 at 4.44.07 PM.png
 
Last edited:
What about Air ?
Then you can lower for car parks.
And higher for better over landing….
 
Californication69 said:
What about Air ?
Then you can lower for car parks.
And higher for better over landing….
Click to expand...
Thanks - traditional suspension is better for traveling the globe. If we get a failure, we can always replace with traditional shocks/springs.

I met someone recently in Europe and when one of his bags failed, it took a few weeks to get it resolved, and that was with the mfg sending a replacement immediately. South America and Asia will have fewer resources.
 
I think that depends on what type of airbags he has been rinding. If you use an common brand wich is widly used this should not be an issue. I usualy have my car tricked out by blacksheep Automotive in Belgium. They also work together now with Transporter HQ. Talk to them before making your choice final. Maybe you will change your mind on decinding to use something else. Or even use a different brand on suspension.
 
chris ratay traveler said:
Thanks - traditional suspension is better for traveling the globe. If we get a failure, we can always replace with traditional shocks/springs.

I met someone recently in Europe and when one of his bags failed, it took a few weeks to get it resolved, and that was with the mfg sending a replacement immediately. South America and Asia will have fewer resources.
Click to expand...
The vehicles I have owned with airbags, the bags have been cheap & take up a minimal amount of space as a spare part. Could you not just travel with a couple of spares & once you've used one try and get another shipped somewhere ahead of you?

I would have thought you would have exactly the same problem getting spares for traditional springs once you move away from VW standard items, with the added complication of them being bigger & heavier than air bags to get flown out if you need them quickly.

I would have thought if you are going to lift it you would be best off with spacers fitted & keeping the standard springs.

Have you looked into how far you can go off normal height before you start running into problems on a 4 motion with the CV joints.
 
Interested in non-Air solutions, thanks.
 
andyinluton said:
Here you go then, set of these & keep your original springs, these are 25mm but other sizes available.
Nothing to go wrong with them, keep standard Transporter springs with worldwide availability.



View attachment 112364
Click to expand...
Thanks - I lifted my Ducato using 5cm spacers - easy, inexpensive, and did the job.

What's the downside with using these?

Do I need to add these diff spacers?
transporterhq.eu

VW Transporter T5-T6.1 - Rear Differential Spacers - For Lifted 4Motion

Having raised suspension on your Transporter puts substantial wear & tear on certain parts, which is mitigated by Transporter rear differential spacers.
transporterhq.eu transporterhq.eu
Screenshot 2023-08-04 at 5.15.25 AM.png
 
chris ratay traveler said:
Thanks - I lifted my Ducato using 5cm spacers - easy, inexpensive, and did the job.

What's the downside with using these?

Do I need to add these diff spacers?
transporterhq.eu

VW Transporter T5-T6.1 - Rear Differential Spacers - For Lifted 4Motion

Having raised suspension on your Transporter puts substantial wear & tear on certain parts, which is mitigated by Transporter rear differential spacers.
transporterhq.eu transporterhq.eu
View attachment 112417
Click to expand...
I have eibach 35mm adjustable lift kit with t30 komfort struts and dampers and the diff spacers the ride is better than standard less body roll and very similar stiffness as standard best money I have spent it has changed the van into a capable soft offroad camper
 
Defender90 said:
I have eibach 35mm adjustable lift kit with t30 komfort struts and dampers and the diff spacers the ride is better than standard less body roll and very similar stiffness as standard best money I have spent it has changed the van into a capable soft offroad camper
Click to expand...
Thanks. Similar to this?
www.ebay.co.uk

VW T5 T6 Bilstein Komfort Strut with Eibach 35mm Lift Kit – T30 (2003 - current) | eBay

Pair of T30 Komfort Front Struts. The Komfort Struts, built by Bilstein suspension are a modified B6 strut which gives a softer ride than standard OEM suspension. With the approx. + 35mm perfectly tuned Eibach Pro Lift springs and the reinforced Bilstein B6 KOMFORT shock absorbers, they not only...
www.ebay.co.uk
 
chris ratay traveler said:
Thanks. Similar to this?
www.ebay.co.uk

VW T5 T6 Bilstein Komfort Strut with Eibach 35mm Lift Kit – T30 (2003 - current) | eBay

Pair of T30 Komfort Front Struts. The Komfort Struts, built by Bilstein suspension are a modified B6 strut which gives a softer ride than standard OEM suspension. With the approx. + 35mm perfectly tuned Eibach Pro Lift springs and the reinforced Bilstein B6 KOMFORT shock absorbers, they not only...
www.ebay.co.uk
Click to expand...
transporterhq.co.uk

VW T5 / T6 Eibach 35mm Adjustable Lift Kit with T30 Komfort Struts & Dampers - T5/T6 Lift Kits, T5/T6 Swamper Parts - Transporter HQ

These struts have been designed by Eibach and Bilstein to enhance the ride from the Eibach Adjustable 35mm Lift Springs. The green Komfort B6 is designed to be 10-15% softer than the standard yellow version. With the approx. + 35mm perfectly tuned Eibach Pro Lift springs and the reinforced...
transporterhq.co.uk transporterhq.co.uk

this is the one its adjustable on the back,transporter hq fitted mine really good service.
 
andyinluton said:
The vehicles I have owned with airbags, the bags have been cheap & take up a minimal amount of space as a spare part. Could you not just travel with a couple of spares & once you've used one try and get another shipped somewhere ahead of you?

I would have thought you would have exactly the same problem getting spares for traditional springs once you move away from VW standard items, with the added complication of them being bigger & heavier than air bags to get flown out if you need them quickly.

I would have thought if you are going to lift it you would be best off with spacers fitted & keeping the standard springs.

Have you looked into how far you can go off normal height before you start running into problems on a 4 motion with the CV joints.
Click to expand...

chris ratay traveler said:
I'm looking to lift my T6.1 van 30-35mm for off-road overland travel, and am quite happy with the feel/"stiffness" of the stock suspension. I see a lot of people go with Bilsteins, and wondering about options within them and other quality options. No air suspension.

I don't know what I don't know.

What should I be looking at when deciding between various spring/shock options, and why?

Can I use the stock dampeners if lifting 30-35mm?

The more details, the better. Specific product names and/or links would be appreciated.

Thanks!

View attachment 112350
Click to expand...
Point to consider is that raising has the same operating effect on the shock absorbers as does lowering ie you change the range of movement from the mid point of the original shockers..

Basically if going to do it, do the whole conversion setup in one go.
 
Last edited:
Released my inner geek to see what the effect would be from standard lift and tyres to larger tyres and a small lift. This is just meant as a bit of fun for those that are interested!

Used the concept of approach, departure and break over angle and calculated the difference at each height.

Approach angle goes from 11.7 to 12.9 then 14.4 degrees and break over from 14 to 15.8 to 17.4 degrees so conclusion is larger tyres and a lift do make a (small) difference.

For comparison a standard old school Land Rover defender 110 has a 38 degree approach angle, 40 degree break over and 29 degree departure angle.

My conclusion, lift will make a bit of a difference but in practical terms, I would say stick on standard kit and pick your route carefully.
 
Tarquers said:
Released my inner geek to see what the effect would be from standard lift and tyres to larger tyres and a small lift. This is just meant as a bit of fun for those that are interested!

Used the concept of approach, departure and break over angle and calculated the difference at each height.

Approach angle goes from 11.7 to 12.9 then 14.4 degrees and break over from 14 to 15.8 to 17.4 degrees so conclusion is larger tyres and a lift do make a (small) difference.

For comparison a standard old school Land Rover defender 110 has a 38 degree approach angle, 40 degree break over and 29 degree departure angle.

My conclusion, lift will make a bit of a difference but in practical terms, I would say stick on standard kit and pick your route carefully.
Click to expand...
Thanks Geek :upsidedown:):pinkbanana Appreciate the info
 
chris ratay traveler said:
I'm looking to lift my T6.1 van 30-35mm for off-road overland travel, and am quite happy with the feel/"stiffness" of the stock suspension. I see a lot of people go with Bilsteins, and wondering about options within them and other quality options. No air suspension.

I don't know what I don't know.

What should I be looking at when deciding between various spring/shock options, and why?

Can I use the stock dampeners if lifting 30-35mm?

The more details, the better. Specific product names and/or links would be appreciated.

Thanks!

View attachment 112350
Click to expand...
Sekiel, VW approved.

Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 Archive - Seikel

www.seikel.uk www.seikel.uk
 
Last edited:
Defender90 said:
Not sure about the calculation but I have the 35mm lift and 235/65/17 tyres and the ground clearance has massively increased
Click to expand...
10mm from the tyres and 35mm from the suspension so yes, 45mm more or about 23% increase but I bet you still wouldn’t go rock crawling.

I have absolutely nothing against lift (or lowering) but my suggestion is the difference in performance between a lifted and a standard van are likely to be very minimal.
 
andyinluton said:
Here you go then, set of these & keep your original springs, these are 25mm but other sizes available.
Nothing to go wrong with them, keep standard Transporter springs with worldwide availability.



View attachment 112364
Click to expand...
If using the spacers, are the rear diff spacers also necessary?
 
Tarquers said:
10mm from the tyres and 35mm from the suspension so yes, 45mm more or about 23% increase but I bet you still wouldn’t go rock crawling.

I have absolutely nothing against lift (or lowering) but my suggestion is the difference in performance between a lifted and a standard van are likely to be very minimal.
Click to expand...
22mm for tyre increase and 35mm+ for lift and spring adjustment,I won’t be rock crawling but it gives me better access to places I wouldn’t dream of going before the mods,also no sag on the back even when fully loaded
 
chris ratay traveler said:
If using the spacers, are the rear diff spacers also necessary?
Click to expand...
Spacers and the old shock and spring are not comparable to the Ebach lift kit no reason why you should break a spring or shock and if you do I am sure one could be purchased from Ebach
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

H
Manufactures Warranty - Suspension Lift
Replies
5
Views
418
WelshGas
WelshGas
BALLANGER Fred
Suspension Lift ≠ Seikel
Replies
0
Views
1K
BALLANGER Fred
BALLANGER Fred
Wallace
Lift kit / Shock Absorber / Springs / Spring Distancer
Replies
10
Views
954
sidepod
sidepod
C
GVW Suspension Upgrade Options
Replies
0
Views
1K
craig j
C
tdi_ywg
California Exclusive suspension lift - suggestions?
2
Replies
26
Views
5K
Thealastair34
T

Useful links

VW California Club

  • Comfort Insurance
  • VIP Membership
  • Comfort Insurance
  • CampervanBits Accessories
  • Conquest
  • Hire a Vw California

About us

The VW California Club is the worlds largest resource for all owners and enthusiasts of VW California campervans.

Our Partners

Our Partners

Back
Top