Rear Springs

[gramin]

I am an Aussie, I own a 2018 model LWB Caddy Life.
I have lowered it using a KW kit (2K variant 1 10280065)
It has been fitted with a pneumatic rear door lift and a lifting device for a mobility scooter.

I initially used only the main spring each side but they practically turned inside out because of the weight so I was forced to replace the 2nd blade on each.
The version that comes to Australia only has 2 leaves (1 leaf and 1 helper) on each spring and I am still not happy with the ride.
Does the UK sold LWB model (either the Life model or the Van) have heavier duty springs? Would anybody know the VW part number please?

With thanks in advance
Derek Gratz

[torque777]

I have a maxi life and I find my double leafs are too soft and sag with any weight especially when lowered, you could go back to single leaf because a lot of gas vans have uprated ones for the load they carry, sorry but don't know the number

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[Bluebeard]

not entirely sure but if you get one of a c20 they should be the correct part. heavier duty single leaf spring.

[horace01]

Hi Derek,

A couple of points. If you have had a mobility conversion done this would require and engineering certification to be legally registered in any state or territory in Australia. How has this certification been passed if your springs cannot hold the weight? Did who ever converted you van for you actually get the engineers certificate and has a new compliance pate been fitted to your van and signed off by your local authority (Vic roads, NSW Roads & Maritime etc)? And if so why have they not upgraded the springs as part of the conversion? I have a co-worker who's van was converted 2 months ago and his converter upgraded the springs as part of the engineering process.

Personally I think you would be better off going to a 4x4 suspension or trailer suspension specialist. These guys will make you up a set of leafs to suit you application and they are not very expensive. Not sure where you are in Australia but we are a county filled with 4x4 enthusiasts and there are 4x4 suspension guys all over the place. Last time I needed this kind of work done it took my supplier about 1 hour to take the measurements and a week later he had made the spring and I took the truck along for fitting.

VW Australia as you know would required you to sell your soul for any spare parts so I would hate to think what they would charge you for a new set of leaf springs, especially if they have to ship them from the UK or Europe as a special order.

[gramin]

Thank you horace01.
The conversion was done by a specialist company licensed in by the Qld government that does disability conversions and as such the Caddy has a full compliance plate.
All of the conversion was done correctly by the instructions in the suspension kit which recommend using only one leaf per side.
The new kit for lifting the mobility scooter is heavier than the previous model.
Putting back the extra 2 leafs has fixed the problem.
With 45 years of driving I have come to like a firmer ride in my vehicles than what I am getting.
I am researching the possibility of firmer springs for my driving enjoyment and if I replace them the vehicle will need to be reinspected to be sure that it still passes compliance.
The inspection is done by QLD Transport inspectors and is put over the pits and gets a VERY thorough inspection of the suspension setup.
At our age this is not our first disability vehicle conversion but will probably be our last and will see us through our retirement years.