.png)
One of the question we get asked the most is what modifications do I need to lower my T4.
The VW T4 runs a older style suspension setup compared to modern day vans. The T4 uses coil springs on the rear and torsion bars on the front. This means in order to lower the T4 you will need to replace the rear springs and adjust the front torsion nuts to match.
Below is the recommended parts and modifications to lower your T4 up to 125mm
For those of you who are looking to seriously lower your T4, You will need the following parts:
4 inch Faulkner springs
Short shock absorbers
Limit straps
Locating shims
Short drop links
Scarface Lowrider shock mounts
These parts above are available HERE as part of a package.
You will also need the following parts and modifications for a optimal ride:
Powerflex bump stop
Cut rear bump stop tube
Handbrake cable relocation
Double chassis notch
Rear chassis notch
Engine Raise
So lets talk a little more about why we use the above parts in order to achieve up to a 100mm drop.
Faulkner springs - 4 inch refers to the spring length and not the amount lowered. Faulkner springs are universal rally springs that have been adopted by us in order to lower the T4 over 50mm. A 4 inch spring will lower up to 125mm and is available from our website in 3 different spring ratings (other spring ratings are available on request)
The three spring ratings are as follows:
1000lbs - ideal for lightly loaded vans including day vans
1100lbs - ideal for heavier day vans and camper conversions
1200lbs - ideal for heavier camper conversions or for those looking to minimize spring travel
Short shocks - Short shocks are required on the T4 when lowering past 50mm. The close length on a short shock is much less than the original, this is to prevent the shock bottoming out and offers further suspension travel. If you were to use standard length shocks you would have no shock travel what so ever and in some cases the rear spring wouldn't be under any compression.
Limit straps - Due to the very short length springs we must use suspension limit straps. These straps prevent the springs becoming loose or potentially falling out when the van is raised from the ground. e.g. MOT test or vehicle maintenance.
Locating shims - Our 5mm top hat locating shims sit above and below the spring. They are designed to help centralize the Faulkner spring and prevent movement and potential rubbing on the bump stop tube.
Short drop links - These are required to prevent the anti roll bar from making contact with the subframe.
Scarface Lowrider shock mounts - These replacement front upper shock mounts have been designed by Scarface Lowriders. The sleek design allows for more clearance, suspension travel and further lowering. This is a must use product and will increase ride comfort by increasing the distance between the top arm and the bump stop.
Powerflex Bump stop - We recommend using these over standard front bump stops due to their slim design. They are much smaller than the original offering further front suspension travel.
Cut rear bump stop - The rear bump stop tube requires cutting to allow rear suspension movement. If you were to leave this then the van would be sat on the bump stops and you will have no suspension travel and a very poor ride. We recommend you cut the tube down and leave 25mm-30mm remaining.
Handbrake cable relocation - The handbrake cable will need to be relocated from its factory position to the underside of the trailing arm. Doing so will prevent the cable from getting crushed.
Double chassis notch - The track rod arms and top arm will make contact with the chassis, because of this we recommend that you have the chassis notched by a professional.
Rear chassis notch - The rear arms will make contact with the chassis, because of this we recommend that you have the chassis notched by a professional.
Engine raise - The engine and gearbox sit very low to floor when dropping the T4 past 100mm. Because of this we recommend an engine raise kit and a skid pan for extra protection.
If you have any questions then please feel free to ask, we are always happy to help.