1996 Jetta front strut mounts

dabatman99 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 09:39 AM

I had to replace the front springs on my jetta. I got a complete front strut assembly set (used) off ebay. What I noticed is that the strut mounts are different. The ones on my car are larger in size. I contacted the guy and he said that if I was going to use the springs, then they are interchangeable. When I went to change them out, there is a noticeable difference in the size of the spring at the strut mount end. The replacements are smaller in size. I took the replacement strut mounts and they fit inside the holder but I'm unsure if it is safe to do this as the original ones had a wider lip. I'm afraid that if I hit a large enough bump it could go through the holder. Can anybody tell me if this will work on my car?

mcrow · #2 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 01:00 PM

He might have had his suspension on mk2. The suspension of mk2 and mk3 are interchangeable, but you have to put different upper mounts on. Just use your own mounts on them. or buy new ones they are cheap.

96GTIVR6 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 01:39 PM

pre-96 2.0's (and some early 96's, like mine) had one style of mounts and 96+ had a different, so that could be the difference. all vr's had the same style though (the later 2.0 style)

mcrow · #4 (**permalink**) 06-29-2009, 01:49 PM

that is true as well.

dabatman99 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 08:26 AM

Ok, well I installed them using parts from the smaller strut mount then put my old strut mount on it. It works but the car seems to sit a bit higher...SO... I have a conclusion that these springs/struts may be from a VR6 and I have a 2.0l... Anybody concur? The car does ride differently but I've hit some big bumps and she don't bottom out! I'm wondering if I should lift the back a bit and level it out? Whatcha think??

mcrow · #6 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 01:32 PM

The back is supposed to be higher than the front anyways to account for stuff put in the trunk. Thats why when you buy a cup kit (not adjustable) the rear suspension always have less drop.

dabatman99 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 06:36 AM

what is a cup kit?

dabatman99 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 06:38 AM

are vr6 springs and strut mounts different than 2.0l? I'm wondering if that is what the guy sent me.

96GTIVR6 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dabatman99

are vr6 springs and strut mounts different than 2.0l? I'm wondering if that is what the guy sent me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 96GTIVR6

pre-96 2.0's (and some early 96's, like mine) had one style of mounts and 96+ had a different, so that could be the difference. all vr's had the same style though (the later 2.0 style)

...

dabatman99 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 10:26 AM

I'm sorry for your low level of tolerance for stupidity, but those quotes refer to the strut mounts specifically.

I should have clearly stated that I was referring to the springs. The height of my car in the front end is higher now, and the car doesn't sit quite level.

What I'm asking is the springs for the VR6 stiffer than the 2.0l. I'm assuming a VR6 would weigh more than 2.0l

96GTIVR6 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 10:38 AM

yes but only a little, not enough that it should really be a difference. and i only added the ... at the end because i had to put something, it wouldn't let me reply with just the quotes.

cabriosnap · #12 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 02:39 PM

if you want an even ride you can go to the local shmucks and get some hockey pucks "spring spacers"

or cut your springs "not advised"

mcrow · #13 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 03:04 PM

shoulda just bought coilovers