[Vwdiesel] A2 Jetta ride height comparison?

[Shawn Wright]

On 20 Oct 2005 at 1:17, Mark Shepherd <mark at shepher.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:

> Mark Shepherd wrote:
> > Maybe data can be aquired by loading some springs in a press with a
> gauge.
> >  Roger does your press have a gauge? This would make a nice new topic for
> > your site...
> 
> Sorry, none on my press.  All-in-one hydraulic jack unit.
> 
> One easy way to check springs, at least leaves. is to simply stand on the
> spring and measure the deflection from body weight.
> I've done a lot of leaf springs this way.  Or for a loaded spring rate, add
> several hundred pounds of weight over the axle you want to measure and record
> the sag.

Ok, here are my numbers:
Full tank (ok, full less 300km, but I put 15L of oil in the trunk to simulate a full tank ;-)

Rear: 320/325mm (12.5/12.75")
Front: 370/375mm (14.5/14.75") 

Adding 160lbs to the trunk gave me:
Rear: 290/290mm (11.5/11.5")
Front: the same within 2mm

So it appears my spring rate is ~80lbs/inch. Any one else care to stuff a family 
member (or two) in the trunk and take some measurements? ;-)

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D 
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy