I'm a bonehead (H&R Cup kit issues)...

807 Views 22 Replies 12 Participants Last post by collins_tc, Nov 30, 2001

euro sport

Discussion Starter · Nov 29, 2001

3

Welp... I ordered the H&R Cup Kit Tuesday and received it lastnight (Wednesday night). Even though it was late evening, I couldn't help but put them on, so I spent a few hours installing them in my garage.
Well, looking at some of the instructions that came with it, I noticed there was a piece of paper that explained how to install the metal spacers for the rear shocks. It took me a while to hammer the spring perch off to install the spacer, but I finally got the suckers on. Anyways, after I lower the car to the ground for a test drive, I noticed my rearend is significantly higher than the front. The front looks perfect, but the rear makes the car look raked. So I guess I'll have to spend another hour disassembling the rears to take that stupid spacer off!

Did anyone else make the mistake of installing those spacers? Ugh...
My other issue is a squeaking sound from the rears. It really only happens when I press down on the rear bumper hard. I can't notice any sounds when I drive. The noise sounds like two large people making sweet passionate love on a squeaky mattress. Has anyone else noticed this sound? Is it from those blue bushings they supplied that attach to the upper spring cap?

Anyways... in case you were wondering, I absolutely love the ride! It is such an improvement compared to my old Boge TurboGas/HoR Tech springs setup. The ride is actually comfortable, yet feels like I'm riding on rails in the corners.
I give the setup two http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

[Modified by chuck_simpson, 9:01 AM 11-29-2001]

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redub

· #2 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (H&R Cup kit issues)... (chuck_simpson)

huh?what spacers,you got pics?
Im thinking about ditching the cup kit for some coils

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euro sport

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (redub)

It's a metal ring that is raises the spring perch approximately 1/2". It slides down around the rear shock, and the spring perch sits on top of it.
I would have loved to get the coilovers, but I just couldn't afford it. I rode in cars with H&R and Bilstein PSS coilovers and the ride is somewhat harsh, but not too bad.

Shotta

· #4 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (chuck_simpson)

chuck_simpson, can you do me a favor. I just purchased a used H&R cupkit. They didn't come with installation instructions. Would you mind making photocopies of the installation instructions and E-mailing them to me. Check my sig for my info and E-mail address. I would really appreciate it.

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euro sport

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (Shotta)

I'm sorry Shotta... I didn't mean to misinform anyone about what I said about "installation instructions". I just meant there were a few pieces of papers that stated:
Use original bumpstops and dust boots.
Use the spacer under the spring perch.
Warranty info.
etc.
I'll be more than happy to scan in the installation/removal section of the Bentley if you need it. You will need a few tools to do the job. I used the following:
jack stands
7/8" offset box-end wrench: for removing the top nut (equivalent to 22mm I think?)
5mm hex/allen key: to hold strut piston while removing top nut.
two 18mm (or maybe 19mm) sockets for bolts to wheel hub.
17mm socket for rear lower bolt.
17mm wrench for upper nuts on rear shocks.
crescent wrench to hold rear shock piston while removing nuts.
spring compressor for macpherson type struts.
vice-grips: I needed these to help remove the strut bearing retainer nut.
I think that's it when it comes to tools. Disassembling the old front struts can be a pain, so good luck. You might want to invest in new strut bearings while you're in there.

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Fly952.0

· #6 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (H&R Cup kit issues)... (chuck_simpson)

Given that the cup kit provides a 60/40 drop- 60mm in the front and 40mm in the rear- your car should have a raked look since 60mm is more than 40. I'm no expert though.

VWGuy

· #7 · Nov 29, 2001

2

Re: I'm a bonehead (Fly952.0)

Mine is slightly raked... although I don't remember installing any spacers on the rear...

Give it a week or two, it WILL settle a fair bit - mine did!

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SupafreekVDubber

· #8 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (VWguy)

The spacers are only for the GTI. They are there because there isn't enough weight in the rear to hold the assembly together as it comes, hence the need to raise the assembly a little.
The Jetta however is DEFINATELY heavy enough in the butt to sit fine.
As far as the squeaky sound, you got me..... make sure that everything is TIGHT and that the red bushings (I assume you got the kit from Matt) are used instead of the crappy rubber ones.
If you order from Matt, it's $685 ASSEMBLED, with VR6 bearings, retainers....EVERYTHING. All you need to do is bolt it up, no spring compressor needed.
I am assuming that you didnt recieve the red poly bushings for the back which is probably contributing to your noise problem. Order the red bushings and junk the rubber garbage.
I just put the Cup Kit on my Jetta and I wanted to splooge all over the car after I took it off the stands, it's sexy lookin.
That is all

Shotta

· #9 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (chuck_simpson)

Thanks Chuck! I have a Bentley manual already. I'll just let a professional put it on for me. I still need to purchase a few wear items before doing the install.

soslow2.0

· #10 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (Shotta)

Hmm.... I'll have my cup kit Saturday, should I just spend the dough and have a shop do the install or try to round up (bribe with food) fellow dubbers since I'm not that mechanically inclined?

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SupafreekVDubber

· #11 · Nov 29, 2001

2

Re: I'm a bonehead (soslow2.0)

the front end dismantle/reassemble is VERY easy. A shop will rape you and drone on about how your car isnt meant for this kind of setup and how they have to add $100's of dollars of crap to get it to work right...
NO !!! ALWAYS DO IT YOUR SELF !!!!
Or bribe a couple of Dub owners, but use --->>>

, which is always better than food

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soslow2.0

· #12 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (SupafreekVDubber)

ok, FOOD & BEER who's volunteering?

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euro sport

Discussion Starter · #13 · Nov 29, 2001

2

Re: I'm a bonehead (SupafreekVDubber)

quote:[HR][/HR]The spacers are only for the GTI. They are there because there isn't enough weight in the rear to hold the assembly together as it comes, hence the need to raise the assembly a little.
The Jetta however is DEFINATELY heavy enough in the butt to sit fine.
As far as the squeaky sound, you got me..... make sure that everything is TIGHT and that the red bushings (I assume you got the kit from Matt) are used instead of the crappy rubber ones.
If you order from Matt, it's $685 ASSEMBLED, with VR6 bearings, retainers....EVERYTHING. All you need to do is bolt it up, no spring compressor needed.
I am assuming that you didnt recieve the red poly bushings for the back which is probably contributing to your noise problem. Order the red bushings and junk the rubber garbage.
I just put the Cup Kit on my Jetta and I wanted to splooge all over the car after I took it off the stands, it's sexy lookin.
That is all[HR][/HR]

I didn't order the kit from Matt. I ended up purchasing the kit from a friend of mine who gets them fairly cheap. I paid $616 shipped 2-day air (arrive in one day

).
I removed my fronts ahead of time to inspect everything (strut bearings, mounts, bumpstops, dustboots).
My rears already had red poly bushings and they were in great shape. I basically reused the red poly bushings, bumpstops, dustboot, and spring hat (but used the supplied blue bushing). I'm sure I tightened everything up pretty well, but I'll check when I disassemble it in the next few days.
Wouldn't you think the spacers are used for the Jetta, since the extra weight might make it sag down a little bit more? I dunno... I'm gonna remove them to get a more even drop. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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Agtronic

· #14 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (H&R Cup kit issues)... (chuck_simpson)

quote:[HR][/HR]
My other issue is a squeaking sound from the rears. It really only happens when I press down on the rear bumper hard. I can't notice any sounds when I drive. The noise sounds like two large people making sweet passionate love on a squeaky mattress. Has anyone else noticed this sound? Is it from those blue bushings they supplied that attach to the upper spring cap?
[HR][/HR]

Put down the hand-brake and try pressing down on the rear again. I'm almost sure it's the rear shoes slipping when you press down on the bumper.

euro sport

Discussion Starter · #15 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (Agtronic)

quote:[HR][/HR]
Put down the hand-brake and try pressing down on the rear again. I'm almost sure it's the rear shoes slipping when you press down on the bumper.[HR][/HR]

I'll try that when I go to lunch. Thanks for the tip! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

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MAC

· #16 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (SupafreekVDubber)

The spacers are for jetta's. It will look much better when you take them off chuck.

Evolution Sports

· #17 · Nov 29, 2001

Let me clear the air on a couple of H&R Cup Kit for Mk III issues.
First the gold cad. plated metal ring is a spacer that is placed between the rear lower spring perch and the ridge on the rear strut body.
I recommend only using this on a Jetta IF there is added weight in the rear, ie. stereo. H&R includes this with their kits due to people with this condition commenting that the kit lowered the rear too much.
This is not designed to add anything to the rear suspension other than height.
As a matter of fact for the longest time, any Mk III Cup Kit we sold we removed these for the package and would only include upon customer request.
As for us assembling prior to shipping.
Our Cup Kit package utilizes the late style/ VR6 front strut components. So, inorder to use this package on the earlier (pre 06/96) 4cyl. G/J, the components that differ betwen the two will need to be updated to the VR6 style. We offer these components and to assemble the front, to the owners of pre 06/96 4cyl G/J III, as they would not have the same components "in-hand" when they remove their factory parts to referance assembling. However we do offer this "upgrade" to all Mk III customers that would like to have their fronts assembled priop to ship.
If anyone should have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call.
Hope that helps.
Happy Holidays!
Matt Johnson

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SupafreekVDubber

· #18 · Nov 29, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (H&R Cup kit issues)... (Evolution Sports)

I was backwards, my bad
Thanks Matt for clearing it up.
BTW, I love the kit!!!

euro sport

Discussion Starter · #19 · Nov 30, 2001

5

Re: I'm a bonehead (ampedG60)

Hassan!
Yes... that be you that I got the good deal from.

I'm loving the kit. I finished the install about 1:30am the night I picked them up. I then drove around for about an hour to get a feel for the ride. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
I removed the rear shocks today and removed the spacer. It made a huge difference in looks! It sits perfectly right now. I took the wife for a ride tonight, and everything was approved. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
I'll have to stop by and let you take it for a spin.
Anyways, I would like to thank Hassan (ampedG60) for the hook up. You guys should give him a call for anything you need for your dub!
Oh... and the squeak is gone. I'm not sure what that was all about. I did disengage the parking brake, and it seems to be very quiet. So, thanks for the tip Agtronic!

[Modified by chuck_simpson, 8:20 PM 11-29-2001]

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GTIXpress

· #20 · Nov 30, 2001

Re: I'm a bonehead (H&R Cup kit issues)... (Evolution Sports)

Does anyone have a pic of what this spacer looks like? I don't remember seeing anything that is being described. I have the Cup kit on my GTI and have the rake. I don't mind it, but it's hard to get the headlights adjusted properly.

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