Darkside GTI 2001 Sport Build Thread

Hey DarkSideGTI,

Sorry to tell you this, but you need to re-do your front suspension install. You've made a serious mistake on the front installation.

Your coils are installed upside down. See the pics below for reference. The end of the coil with the flat spot on it should be @ the top. :happens:

That's going to cause you some problems.

DarkSideGTI said:

Front Strut by DarksideGTI, on Flickr


In with the new by DarksideGTI, on Flickr
Click to expand...

EDIT....

Just to clarify, the spring should be seated like this:

(Ignore the unrelated state of disassembly)

PB141708_zps72cf5eee.jpg~original


Here's another shot from Rickashay, just to clarify further...


20111022-IMG_0519 by Headlight Hookup, on Flickr
 
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^^ I agree with BFAD, they are on wrong and will give you that clunk. That sucks, but I'd change it up as that could be dangerous or cause damage.
 
Dammit. I should have looked at some other pics before my install. That probably is where the "clunk" is coming from. O well, now that I have done it once it shouldn't be too bad. The biggest headache was compressing the springs and since they are already compressed it shouldn't be too difficult.
 
Yesterday I flipped the springs and it did get rid of my clunking in the front. Since the springs are tapered they were too wide where that little knob is on the knuckle and it was catching the springs. I was also able to tighten the rear shock mounts so all sounds are gone. I am however going to take the front apart again and set the perch to the 2nd setting. I am ok with a little rake, but there is a bit too much for my liking. My current measurements are 21.5" F and 23.75" rear.

As for that little nub on the spindle, has anyone ground that down to gain a bit of clearance?

DSCN0519.jpg~original
 
You can rotate the coil so where the spindle would contact, ends up in between a spring wind. Mine was doing the same thing.

Stock hub to fender measurements are about 20 inches for most 3rd gens so you're ~1.5 inches in the front. Bump it to the 2nd or 3rd notch.

Looking forward to your build. It seems like a lot of people cross over to the VAG scene and vice versa with Yotas. MK4 R's are definitely one of my dream cars but for now i have a MK3 sitting under a tarp at the parents house awaiting a VR swap.
 
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Do you guys think I should set the perch on the 2nd or 3rd setting? I read Rickashay's thread and he said the 2nd setting got him 23", but I don't think going up one notch will get me 1.5". I think he is using an isolator above the spring, but not sure how thick it is. I am getting some 33" tires later this week and need to clear them but want the best ride possible as well.
 
im running on the 3rd notch and i love the ride, its like a factory ride. i had my set up done before i had my bumper and winch. but i did have a brush guard on there.
 
Last night I moved the spring perch up to the 3rd notch. That was a serious PITA getting those crappy Autozone spring compressors to get the springs that compressed.

I had some axle grease in my passenger side wheel well. I cleaned off the outer CV but could not find any tears or signs of where it was coming from. I'm sure I will need to re-boot it some time soon though.

Anyways here are some pics before I get my 285/70/17's installed tomorrow. I will be pulling the running boards as I don't think they will work with those tires.


3" lift profile by DarksideGTI, on Flickr


3" lift 3/4 by DarksideGTI, on Flickr
 
Nice! I have been wanting to see a set of those in bronze ever since he brought them out.. which was just a couple months after I bought the black version :(
 
Your build thread is where I saw them first. I've always been a fan of the Volk TE-37's and almost ordered a set for my VW. These are basically reps of the TE-37's at an affordable price so I had to snag them up. I saw a set of the bronze on a silver Tacoma and it looked great. Duratrac's go on today and I will probably post some mounted pics tomorrow.
 
I expected an epic wheel choice on this rig, and you did not disappoint. Glad you went with bronze, it's gunna look sick!
 
curtperry said:
The engine bay on the VW looks great. As for the rest of it... I can find no value or merit in degrading the function of a vehicle for the sake of "looks". That's the least harsh thing I can say.

As for what 4runner to buy- I'd recommend a 99 or 00 for the multi-mode (AWD capable) transfer case and lack of VSC, preferably with Factory Rear Locker

Read the whole thread called the buyers guide in the stickies if you haven't yet
Click to expand...

Burning question: is that transfer case available on any 5-speed model? I've never seen it in one, just the autos
 
Well, the tires are on and they are rubbing the front fenders while turning. Looks like I need to do some trimming and maybe add a top plate spacer too.

I'll use this pic of BFAD's fender as a guide for what to cut. Although I can kinda already see where it is hitting.

P9301502.jpg~original
 
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Be sure to hammer down the pinch welds also (on the back end of the front wheel wells) also the bolts on the back end of the rear wheel wells can be swapped for low profile ones so that the heads of the bolts dont stick into the wheel well and cause rubbing when articulating.
 
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