suspension lifts for WK2

[LeCheese]

Originally Posted by drover

I come across it when I was researching fitting new suspension, steering wouldn't be the reason, I thought WK2's always had electric steering..... on mine its mounted on the lower arm.. pics from Rockauto show the change in the struts and the sway bars had changed, the numbers for 15 are different to 17........

Thanks for the info Drover - definitely a curious one.

Off topic, but WK2s had electro-hydraulic steering until I think MY17, when they moved to a full electric setup

[LeCheese]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

Thing to watch when lifting is replacing the Nivomat shocks and the possible reduction in towing capacity.

This is what I wrote on my web site about this some years ago. Please correct me if I'm wrong:

The WK2 CRD & 5.7L V8 can tow up to a maximum of 3500kg .If the Nivomat self levelling shock absorbers (SLS) are replaced with standard shocks then the 3500kg towing maximum is downgraded. Since most spring lift kits replace the OE Nivomat SLS with a standard type, check with the lift kit supplier first and ask if there is any detrimental effect on towing specifications.
Regardless of what lift kit you chose, if replacing the Nivomat SLS with standard shocks, you must replace the Nivomat springs as well otherwise they will sag noticeably under increased loads
Why different spring ratings for Nivomat system?...Because the Nivomat SLS share the load with coil springs and adjust for any load variation, the springs don't have to support all the load so are softer to provide a more comfortable ride at low loadings.
Is you wish to retain 3500 kg towing, keep the Nivomat SLS and fit Nivomat compatible rear springs rather than constant load springs used with standard shock absorbers. If towing is not your thing then this probably isn't an issue apart from ride comfort.

I always thought this was the case as well, but I recall someone on another page recently got written confirmation from ARB that their OME setup kept the 3.5t rating. From what I remember it was a hotly debated topic.

[drover]

Originally Posted by LeCheese

Thanks for the info Drover - definitely a curious one.

Off topic, but WK2s had electro-hydraulic steering until I think MY17, when they moved to a full electric setup

Well thats a new one again on me, the ole WK2 certainly went thru some changes, this one since they seem to have incorporated the Stop/Start system as well I think I will by pass, makes me happier I have a 2015 I think............

On the rear suspension, I haven't seen anything to confirm or deny that the OME gear keeps the load rating but then again I haven't seen anything official that says the LR changes anyway just mention on some suspension shops which don't detail any reason which begs to ask if the reduction in tow capacity also means a drop in load capacity especially as WDH is needed once over a certain load anyway.......... I just fitted new springs with a spacer for the Nivomatts which I'm happy with.

[IXPLOR]

I had the ARB OME setup installed in May 2021 then went on a 7k outback roadtrip to test it out.

Went pretty well however will be putting the factory nivomat shocks back in albeit new ones. I found that loaded even with the heavy duty springs the rear sagged on the ARB shocks which apparently retain the 3.5 tonne towing capacity even have it on my receipt not that I ever tow that.

The reason behind going back to the Nivomats is they are bloody good at levelling the rear, even loaded on factory springs the rear remained high as opposed to loaded with the ARB shocks.

I am waiting for the new Nivomats to arrive and will take some before and after measurements of rear heights and post up

[drover]

Originally Posted by IXPLOR

I had the ARB OME setup installed in May 2021 then went on a 7k outback roadtrip to test it out.

Went pretty well however will be putting the factory nivomat shocks back in albeit new ones. I found that loaded even with the heavy duty springs the rear sagged on the ARB shocks which apparently retain the 3.5 tonne towing capacity even have it on my receipt not that I ever tow that.

The reason behind going back to the Nivomats is they are bloody good at levelling the rear, even loaded on factory springs the rear remained high as opposed to loaded with the ARB shocks.

I am waiting for the new Nivomats to arrive and will take some before and after measurements of rear heights and post up

I'm impressed with them throw my van on back and they settle back to within 5mm of their position when empty.... ball weight of 280kg and I'm close to GCM. The Nivomatts though handle the load very well but with lifted springs spacers are a must or they will blow out.
Come across a fella with the OME set up he added bags to his and was very happy with it, looked good when hooked up.

The 3.5t tow capacity is a bit of a dream really, since its all about the weight on the tow ball and GCM which stymies it, originally 600kg carry cap on the JGC, once you subtract 2 bums, some bar work, tow bar and some gear in the back you don't have much left for ball weight, adding roof racks, aux batteries and fridges cuts it back or easily be over..........