4WD on a 2WD

[Niall]

I've got a 2001 TDi Elegance Estate and love it (apart from the recently acquired leak). As a Land Agent I spend a lot of time on the Motorway and also down Farm Tracks, etc. Because of this a 1.8T 4x4 was never a realistic option. Diesel economy is just too good.

As I never need 4 wheels to be driven, but a bit of extra ground clearance wouldn't go amiss, could I fit suspension off a 4x4 to my 2wd Octavia. I'm guessing that as well as springs and shocks I'd need a 4x4 roll bar too to counteract the higher centre of gravity. Even though, would this knacker the handling? Would it count as a "mod" for insurance purposes?

In an ideal world I would save up for a new Octavia in the hope that when I have enough cash they'll have put a more powerful diesel engine in it! How does 105bhp from the 2.0 compare to the excellent 110bhp 1.9?

Niall

[ScoobyChris]

It would definitely count as a mod as the vehicle is no longer "standard", despite using all Skoda parts. I'm not sure on the answer to your question, but one caveat is that the nose weights of the 1.8T and 1.9 TDI will be significantly different so you may find that putting springs designed for a light petrol onto a heavy diesel may have a negative effect on the handling....

Chris

[mannyo]

The front suspension will fit, but the TDI engine is heavier so the car will sit low. The rear suspension wont fit at all because the 4x4 has fully independent rear suspension, unlike the 2wd version.

You could always buy a set of coilovers and instead of doing what most people do, use them to raise the height of the car. The KW V1 has non adjustable dampers but the height is adjustable in both - and + numbers.

[TKW]

Manny is right about the rear suspension of the 4x4 octy being completely different to that of the 2wd.

The main reason that I haven't replaced the suspension on my 4x4 was that I'm pretty sure I was told by Jabba that even in the highest settings, I would lose some ride height compared with the standard 4x4 setup.

My local garage reports fitting "Indian springs" (I don't know the part numbers, I'm afraid) to some taxis: it seems that the springs fitted to the Indian variant of the Octy are longer and help the taxi drivers from grounding on speed humps etc. I don't know what this does to the handling, although I can't really imagine it being good

Oh, and one more thing: the new diesel 4x4 doesn't use a 2.0l engine, instead it's one of the older 1.9 units.

[Niall]

Cheers Guys,

I'm getting the distinct impression that it's going to be easier just to "ride the ruts" like I do at the mo and start saving for the proper machine.......

Thanks,

Niall

[Graham Pollitt]

Originally Posted by Niall

I've got a 2001 TDi Elegance Estate and love it (apart from the recently acquired leak). As a Land Agent I spend a lot of time on the Motorway and also down Farm Tracks, etc. Because of this a 1.8T 4x4 was never a realistic option. Diesel economy is just too good.

As I never need 4 wheels to be driven, but a bit of extra ground clearance wouldn't go amiss, could I fit suspension off a 4x4 to my 2wd Octavia. I'm guessing that as well as springs and shocks I'd need a 4x4 roll bar too to counteract the higher centre of gravity. Even though, would this knacker the handling? Would it count as a "mod" for insurance purposes?

In an ideal world I would save up for a new Octavia in the hope that when I have enough cash they'll have put a more powerful diesel engine in it! How does 105bhp from the 2.0 compare to the excellent 110bhp 1.9?

Niall

I travel up farm and forestry roads a lot and like you I have exactly the same problem with my 1999 SLX Tdi. I've contacted Skoda on several occasions and was lastly told by customer services that to fit India spec suspension/springs would cost around £1100 as the steering geometry needs re doing. I don't know if this is true or if they are trying to fob me off.( my local dealer was not much help)

I've also looked into Bilstein sport shocks which will firm up the ride and reduce bottoming out but will keep the same ride height. Cost approx £430 EXCLUDING fitting. You retain the original springs for this.

My last option which I'm arranging at the moment is fitting the stronger metal sump guard in place of the plastic undertray. This'll cost around £240, won't increase height but hopefully will take the knocks better.

I'll be interested to hear what you do and the effects.
Good luck