Spring Upgrade - 'Vert Springs on a Sedan

[BUGSTUFF]

Because we occasionally tow stuff with our NB (and I hate a saggy butt) I thought it would be a good idea to put a pair of convertible springs in the back of our '98. Replaced the springs, shocks and rubber pads and gained a bit of height in the rear. Minimal sag when our cargo trailer is hooked up. Yay!!!

So, since I was replacing the front struts and bushings anyway, I thought it might be a good idea to put the 'vert springs on the front as well. You know - matched set, the old ones were 10 years old, etc....

Took it to the dealer since I didn't have the tools to do the fronts myself.

Went to pick it up and I was a bit shocked - no pun intended - the NB looked like it had been fitted with a 4x4 lift kit!!!

Definitely not what I had intended. I've given them a couple of months to "settle" but to no avail.

I'll be taking it back next week to have the old front springs put back on.

Here's a couple of pics - the bottom of the front valance is 8 inches off the ground - a bit too high for my liking.

So, if anyone would like to buy a pair of OEM front 'vert springs and a pair of rear stock springs, LMK.

[DZLBUG]

What are the color codes on the front springs? Which year/engine did you order them for?

I may be interested...that is a surprising amount of lift. Goes to show how much heavier the 'verts are.

[hestersu]

Dang those wheels look nice.

[BUGSTUFF]

Thanks Susan!

DZL - I'll check the color code after I get them removed.

[doublebarrel]

I'd love to have that much ground clearance.Can you get the part #s on those springs?

[DZLBUG]

Did you get these removed yet? How much you want for them?

I'm guessing these were for a newer vert with the 2.5? That would be the heaviest spring available due to the 5 banger. You might have better luck with vert springs from a 4 cylinder model.

[BUGSTUFF]

Front springs are off and ready to ship. They came from a '03 or '04 2.0 NB convertible. Paint code - 1 Violet and 1 Green dot. Part number may be 1J0 411 105AP

The rears are from a '98 2.0 hardtop. Paint code - 2 Blue Dots and 1 Silver dot. Part number 1J0 511 115 AG.

DZLBUG has dibs on the fronts but the rears are available to anyone who has a broken spring or might want to return to the stock setup.

[sean_fabanich]

how was the handling effected?

[BUGSTUFF]

Slightly firmer ride, but I changed the struts and shocks as well. You don't really know your shocks are bad until you replace them and feel the improvement.

Front springs are sold BTW, but the rear stockers are still available.

[sean_fabanich]

so i have a 99 new beetle and i want to do the spring upgrade you did. what am i looking for.

as in what year convertable (or other vehicle like jetta wagon?) springs would be a direct fit replacement.

and what shocks/struts do you suggest....would you just do the convertable shocks and struts....or just ones for the regular nb?

sorry for the dumb questions

[BUGSTUFF]

The springs came off a '03 or '04 convertible. You could probably use the MKIV Jetta Wagon springs as well, but they might be too stiff. I put the stock front springs back on because the front was too high for my liking with the 'vert springs.

I just went with a set of Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks & struts, which are fine for what we use the car for. I'm not sure if the shock manufacturers differentiate between sedan and convertible.

Good luck!!!

[72SuperBeetle]

The best oem wheels offered, in my opinion!

[BUGSTUFF]

You are correct sir!!!

[sean_fabanich]

any clue if factory springs off an mk4 jetta would provide any lift.

a guy just moved in across the street and he has his stock springs.....lowered his car sometime ago.

i dont have the color code or anything.....any suggestions or thoughts?

[BUGSTUFF]

They will fit, but unless it's a wagon there probably won't be any difference from the ones already on your NB.

Jetta Wagon or NB convertible are probably your only options.