Installing Lowered Suspension on Transporter T6 - Mod 1

[@Graham_1978-r6e]

Great video Steve. I lowered mine 50mm and it was far nicer to drive and the fact that they look so much better is an added bonus! No more wallowing around roundabouts, and no more child car sickness either!👍🏻

[@SteveField]

GDub Camper totally agree with you 😎. And thanks 👍

[@kyreezayd7437]

instablaster

[@fieldfamily9155]

I love you dad!🖤♾🇬🇧

[@SteveField]

Thank you Lester!! :-) x

[@Dalesturgess]

Hi there steve I see yours is. T32 also and about to do my front shocks did you have to undo the ball joints to remove the front struts or just undo the strut top and bottom then replace ? Any help would be appreciated Thank you Dale

[@SteveField]

Dalesturgess Hi Dale. No I didn’t need to remove the ball joint i managed to get just enough clearance with pulling down on the hub to slide the strut out with a little persuasion 👍

[@Dalesturgess]

Steve Field thats Briliant steve best news I’ve heard all day , thanks so much , dale

[@DavidSavage-mady]

Just watched your vid of lowering the T6 high line & I want to do the same , using the existing shocks etc & just springs as you did : but the suppliers seem to try & get peeps to buy coil over kits & I want to just drop mine 50/60mm like you. Did your dampers bottom out because of the travel loss ?? Appreciate your help: I’m a mechanical guy myself. Regards Dave savage

[@SteveField]

Hi Dave, thanks for watching. No I have to say the 50mm drop that I did worked of really well. Good travel left, decent ride and improved cornering and it was still happy when we loaded fully up with all the camping gear and bikes on the back with all 5 of the family in👍. As long as your shocks have plenty of life in them it’s a good move.

[@DavidSavage-mady]

@ Thanks Steve, I’ll let you know how I get on with mine. A set of quality springs cost me £260 & my time to fit them, so if it works out ok, that’s far better than £1300 odd for coilover kits. Cheers mate, happy vanning

[@DubiousEngineering]

Great work! ... now I know what’s involved, I’ll hire someone! ... fancy swinging by south Gloucestershire? We can make a video together! Perhaps I can help with your sub count!... I’ve just finished carpeting and installing the RIB bed... it’s an epic project and quite hard work! How many hours did you spend lowering your bus? Again, great work! Big thumbs up from me!

[@SteveField]

Thanks Buddy! much appreciated...!! I am only about an hour away from you, A colab sounds like a great idea, Just at the moment I am working on a few things that i need to get finished over the next few weeks as well as running my business which is hectic. but once I get on top of things maybe we could do something!. I spent approx 6/7 hours total lowering mine which isn't too bad on trolley & stands and with filming it at the same time etc... Having a tone of fun doing mine as I am sure you are too!

[@DubiousEngineering]

Steve Field no worries!... get in touch when you have time and let’s plan a meet and perhaps make a little van chat video!

[@SteveField]

@@DubiousEngineering Definitely sounds like a plan fella!

[@russcurrie72]

Looks good Steve, our T4 has had the suspension lowered and got to say they look better in a lower stance.

[@SteveField]

Thanks buddy and absolutely. Was only thinking today how I’m pleased with the ride and the stance when walking back to the van today! 🤙

[@ivorleak8823]

I’ve got the same van and just about to put some 20 inch alloys on, would these springs be the only thing I need to lower the van as I’ve seen ads supplying and fitting the springs for around £550 and then there are kits that are around £1600+. What’s the difference, I’m a novice so please be kind lol.

[@SteveField]

Hi. Apologies for the late reply. So I really rate the springs in this video👍. In my opinion they were a good choice but it does rely on your existing shock absorbers being in good order. The figures your swing for kits upward of £1500 will likely be a shock absorber and spring set. If your van has done a high mileage or been used harder than the average, I would recommend going for a spring and shock kit (like B14’s) or similar👍. Hope this helps

[@ivorleak8823]

@@SteveField it does, thank you 👍

[@jhardy1971]

Hi Steve. Just interested to know what your thoughts are on the spring kit and VW warranty. I want to do exactly this mod but worried VW might throw it back at me later if there is a warranty issue?

[@SteveField]

Jason Hardy Yes it’s def a varied point depends on the reason for the warranty claim at the time. The main thing is with this particular kit the 50mm drop is not extensive for the travel tolerances in the suspension so it’s like carrying a load in some respects but the only thing that this kit should effect your wareenty will be the shocks and springs themselves as it’s not an excessive drop so other parts like bushes and joints don’t tend to get murdered every time you drive. This subtle level of modification for most reputable vw dealers is fully accepted as the factory sport line van is lowered 30mm as standard.

[@amersingh2557]

Hi Steve, nice job, where can one buy Eibach springs but 40mm drop? Please advise. Cheers.

[@SteveField]

Thank you buddy, I know a few people have told me they have done a 40mm Eibach drop but I really dont know who is selling any... I have only come across 50mm. Go for 50mm buddy, its still a great ride and not to low.

[@amersingh2557]

Thank you for the advise will look in to this option. Especially after watching the dark side of the force video...👍

[@SteveField]

Amer Bharj ////AMG 👍😁💯

[@will1473]

Hi, been following the build. Did you install the harder t32 spring or the softer versions? Unsure what to do as I'm unloaded 100% of the time and don't want a trashy ride

[@SteveField]

That’s a good question! If it’s answered by saying I used the t32 PRO version of the spring then 👍. But I did not see a soft or hard option on purchasing these from custom vans.com. They did ride very well and gave me the advertised 50mm drop from stock. I am now running air due to me wanting a show look on the rite day and a comfortable drive like on the springs the other 360 odd days of the year 😂

[@GregQchi]

Hey Steve, do you know if a T6 with adaptive (DCC) dampers can be lowered and damping remain active?

[@SteveField]

Hello buddy. Now that one I’m not sure on! If you drop a message on one of the Transporter HQ suspension videos they will know the answer to this I’m sure 👍

[@GregQchi]

@@SteveField thanks Steve!

[@SteveField]

@@GregQchi 👍

[@velibayazit]

Hello mate can I ask you how is the ride any harsh or still ok? And would you recommend 30mm to keep the ride smooth? Regards

[@nickrendell4300]

Now for some nice 20 inch alloys, be wicked with the lowered look!!!!

[@SteveField]

Absolutely, currently trying to choose a wheel & Finish from Vossen which will be a 20" and coming up in a future video!!

[@dodo19923]

@@SteveField My friend in italy went with 30mm drop and 275/45r19's instead of the usual 40/50mm drop and 275/40r20's. The slightly higher clearance and slightly more rubber to rim ratio made it look meaner imo. There comes a point where the van becomes useless due to how little clearance there is and the slightest bump crunching the rims.

[@SteveField]

Rollin' Dodo Yes I here you there, I have managed to produce a van that still does everything I throw at it and no rubbing bumping or complaints... every set up seems to be diffident mainly down to wheels!!! Offset, size and fitment. Check out my latest wheel reveal video see what you think?? 👍

[@dodo19923]

@@SteveField My own t5 is sat at stock height on 255/40r20's, i'm a bit crazy though so considering the eibach pro 35mm lift and 257/45r19's to give me that USA lifted van look. Got a lot of work to do inside it though, the flooring was diy jobbed and isn't suitable for adding seats (triple bench seat with middle and rear mounts for flexability. Will probably take it to be gutted and redone proffesionally as i don't have the time and patience to do it myself lol.

[@SteveField]

Rollin' Dodo sounds awesome I love the diversity of these vans as you can go in any direction and things work out 👌. I do like the lifted look with the tyres too 🤙. Good luck with it buddy 👍

[@comfortablynumb8832]

On the rears did you drop the anti roll bar?

[@SteveField]

Yes I did, 👍

[@klintonstill6773]

Hi Steve, your van looks great mate. I have just purchased a standard t6, and I bought some 20’’ rims would lowering it 50mm be to much ? Any help would be appreciated 👌🏼

[@SteveField]

Hi Klinton, 🙌Thanks very much. No lowering the van 50mm would not be to much in my opinion. When I had mine at 50mm on 20” wheels I had no problems at all and the ride was good for me👍. Also good with a heavy load too👍

[@adeeavesn5525]

How long did this job take? Got mine booked in at a garage, so just wondering as they charge by the hour, thanks

[@SteveField]

Adeeaves N I would say garage with lift Ramps would do it in about 3 hours tops. If they have a couple of guys on it less. On driveway with trolley jack I was working on the car for total of 4.5 hours. I had to stop in the afternoon and carried on later in the evening. But 4.5hrs altogether.

[@ryanhutchinson5235]

Hi there mate, i can't find these springs to buy anywhere! where did you purchase them form without being ripped off!

[@SteveField]

Ryan Hutchinson these came from www.customvanz.com or .co.uk? But they were £360 from them and they do mail order 👍

[@ryanhutchinson5235]

Thanks mate!

[@SteveField]

👍

[@wbev_thai1666]

@@SteveField what is the ride like ???, I'm thinking of doing my caddy maxi kombi, thanks

[@tomcopley47]

Hi Steve, did you have to undo the drive shaft from the hub? or the bottom ball joint? I'm in the middle of the job and cant get the strut to separate from the hub

[@SteveField]

Hi Tom, I didn't remove the hub bolt. I managed to get enough clearance to pull the disc down and slide out the strut. Mines a T32 so I don't know if that is any different? if you have to you may need to remove your hub bolt if you cant get enough tilt on the hub.

[@stevehughes6533]

Why lower it? Does it drive better? I always prefer vans being higher up

[@SteveField]

It corners much better no question but a little to ride comfort has to be sacrificed. suits me and I would recommend it. :-)

[@notsosmartmart5402]

The jacked look, looks ace with big chunky tires. But if you're going for 20" alloy wheels and low profile tires then it needs to be lowered, otherwise it looks ridiculous, and there are handling gains too .. Also, mine needs lowering urgently so my mum can get in and out a little easier ;)

[@richm6469]

What brand are the springs? I had coilovers on my last T5 but looking for a subtle drop on my T6.

[@SteveField]

Rich M these are Ebach Pro springs they are set up to give a 50mm drop. I am really happy with the results. 👍

[@notsosmartmart5402]

Hi Steve,, Are there torsion bars on the back wheels ? Just about to do mine :) Many thanks

[@SteveField]

Notso Smartmart yes it’s only 4 bolts and it can drop down out of the way... Good luck. 👍

[@notsosmartmart5402]

@@SteveField Many thanks Steve. It looks straight forward on the rear then. . But on the front was it just the 2 x nuts and bolts holding the strut and the drop bar you had to undo . Or did you remove the steering rod ends from the wheel assembly (using ball joint spliter) , and the other stuff ? Thanks again :)

[@SteveField]

Notso Smartmart yes nice and easy on the rear all done inside an hour at the back.. I am pretty sure I did pop the steering ball joint but I didn’t remove the hub just tipped it enough to slide the strut out. Not a bad job with but it was only 1 week old so the bolts be not all jacked up with dirt etc 👍

[@notsosmartmart5402]

@@SteveField Awesome Steve, thanks for the advice and info. Great vids mate

[@TheMartz250]

Hi Steve, great video, thanks so much. Im chasing handling, so dont mind compromising comfort a little. My standard Multivan running the same 17" Devonports as yours, seems to understeer on turn in and the inside rear is definitely lighter. Now Im not chucking this thing around like my old Fiats, but you know, wouldn't mind improved handling if its as easy as this video shows. So, 50mm drop Eibachs all round but not shocks. I can see you recommend the springs in your comments below, but do you think there is still improved handling potential if coilovers are used?

[@SteveField]

Hey Buddy thanks for the compliment... So i do rate Ebach pro springs very high if just doing a spring swap as long as the shock are in good shape and makes a vast improvement on the handling but i would say a good coil-over will raise the bar as you can set up a little more stiffness if you need it. Have herd alot of fellow dubbers complain about coil-overs to tho! if you are planning to up size your alloys then keep this in mind too! now im running 20's on 35 profile tyres the springs and wheel combo are awesome! haven't finished filming the new wheel reveal yet but will be up on the channel real soon!

[@TheMartz250]

@@SteveField Hi Steve, sorry to bug you. I note your springs are red in colour. Are they from the product line "Pro Kit" or "Sportline"? If you could share the Eibach product code with me, that'd be a big help. Cheers, Marty

[@SteveField]

@@TheMartz250 Thant okay fella, that's what its all about :-) Yes these springs ARE the Ebach PRO version they are available in a few colours so can be confusing but to ensure your getting the right ones, as i dont have the product code handy. here is a link to custom vanz and he sells the exact kit for £360 link: www.customvanz.com/VW-T6-TRANSPORTER-EXTERIOR-STYLING-INTERIOR-STYLING-LINING-ACCESSORIES-AUDIO-MEDIA-NAVIGATION.html he is out of stock of the red ones by the looks but they come back on regular if you prefer the red colour.

[@TheMartz250]

Thanks Steve, your advice has been super helpful and most appreciated. Cheers.

[@maurimtz7248]

Hi Steve!!! Can You you tell me the reference of springs? Thanks

[@SteveField]

Hi! Yes.... They are Ebach Pro Springs for T32 and they can be purchased from Custom Vanz in several colours if you are in the UK? last I checked they are going for £360 for the set

[@maurimtz7248]

@@SteveField I'm from Spain, I don't find the springs in Internet.

[@SteveField]

Mauri Martz I would have thought somewhere would offer international shipping. Poss ship to you from Germany.

[@pauljones86]

Hi Steve, what springs did you use and also does it create a more hard/bumpy ride

[@SteveField]

Hi paul. The springs I was using were customvanz Ebach Pro 50mm springs and I was very pleased with the ride. I have since installed air for many reasons but was very pleased with the springs 👌👌

[@altunsuleyman0]

Great work

[@SteveField]

thanks! :-)

[@markrobinson8575]

Steve do you have to track the front wheels after work on the suspension, I’m looking to change the top strut mounts

[@SteveField]

It is advisable! and best result on your steering and tyre wear, but at 50mm drop not going to be a big problem if its not carried out. its more the alignment for toe than tracking. but seriously I had it done and it was the slightest of adjustments it really wasn't worth it. if your van is already feels like its not 100% before you start then I would have it aligned. I do note that my van only had 122 miles on it when I installed these 😁

[@markrobinson8575]

@@SteveField thanks the wheels were aligned properly when I had my clutch done while ago. Do you have much experience on working on vans you seem to jump in with no fear, I’m quite handy but I’m a bit dubious taking this on😁

[@SteveField]

Mark Robinson ah that’s good then, I would say with that in mind your alignment of 50mm lowering springs running mostly empty should be fine. Re the experience, I have been into cars since the beginning and have tinkered with many of them including brakes, suspension, car audio and general maintenance, but I don’t get into engines beyond the surface or anything. Tinkering has give confidence to carry out most jobs but I often make a point that I’m sharing my knowledge and viewpoint as oppressed to creating a step by step tutorial. If I had a qualification in this then maybe but a lot of people use my videos to see what’s involved and decide if they will tackle the job which is really great 👍

[@markrobinson8575]

@@SteveField excellent advice! mines lowered 50mm with 20s but I think they just changed the springs I hear the top mount struts need to be changed at the same time as it can cause shudder?

[@BOAT1066]

Does the modification effect the VW Warranty? Informative videos👍

[@SteveField]

its unlikely too due to the subtle drop, but its really dependant on the nature of the failure to be honest. if a modification is unlikely to cause the failure then its unlikely they would not honour the warranty work.

[@gkuk]

Does it affect your warranty?

[@gkuk]

👍 50mm

[@SergeiArkadjevich]

Can you please tell me where to buy jack like yours and how much did you pay .name brand model .thanks

[@SteveField]

Sure, I will check and come back to you !!

[@steveb5380]

Hi steve, did you know the suspension torque settings or where I can get them from or did you use the old elbow leverage settings 🤣

[@SteveField]

Steve B I have to admit I didn’t have the torque settings for this and I’ve gone in on good old fashioned elbow and triple pull 😂. Having said that I do torque my wheel bolts and I did use my torque wrench on the rear shocks bottom bolts but I think you can find the torque settings on “thet6forum”. Really good forum for tech data 👍

[@crazycouter]

Steve, Would we have to inform my ins company as a mod to the suspension if we went ahead with installing the same as you have on my 2018 T32 Thanks in advance, Nev PS love your vids

[@SteveField]

Scooby Doo hey buddy, thanks 🤙😎. I’ll keep them coming... I would personally. As it’s not an expensive update to the policy financially and your rock solid then in any event. However I know a number of people running on wheels and suspension without declaring. 👍

[@Mannn453]

50mm ???

[@SteveField]

Yes at this stage in this video it was being lowered by 50mm. Van is now running on Airride in a more recent video 👍

[@Mannn453]

@@SteveField What do you recommend me ? to lower and put the suspension of my caravelle T6.1 year 2019, please tell me what can I buy? regards

[@SteveField]

Well on a van that new you could do lowering springs on your exiting shocks which would be the most cost effective option. Or for a bit more £ you can go for complete coil overs like bilstien B14’s👍

[@jeffchristie1541]

well done and good video but jesus that so called music is offensive to my ears !! good job i have a volume button!!

[@SteveField]

Jeff Christie 😂 thanks for the feedback.

[@menis1885]

Nice 💪

[@e36racer44]

Get that spare wheel out before some fucker nicks it!

[@russellreardon6770]

Never do this sort of work relying on 1 jack. Chock it up or put your wheel under the car to be safe.

[@SteveField]

Good advice! I am using a load rated axle stand as well as the Jack 👍

[@Mannn453]

Uauuuuuuuuu

[@markosimic360]

Great job. I have mine T6 Transporter from 2016 swb and I have 18 wheels. I will put some fat tires but definitely I need to lower it. How much is harder with this springs than original ones?

[@SteveField]

Thank you😎. I found that the ride after the 50mm lowering springs was very similar in hardness over bumps👍