Question on rear suspension

[Pirate]

I am starting the research process before I buy our MK4 kit in the spring (hopefully). My question is this (I am not a mechanic and don't know much about suspensions or engines or transmissions...., so I need some good advice) what type of rear end should I go with? Here is how the car will be driven, Out of the garage down the road a piece and back into the garage. Maybe an interstate trip to the wife's parents (3 hours away). I am not going to be drag racing (except for the occasional shut the punk kid up at the stop light, JK) nor will I be taking this car on any kind of race track. Mostly my wife will drive this car (as I want the '33 hot rod) to and from the grocery store and maybe an occasional trip with one of the boys to one of their sports functions. Also a Sunday evening drive through the country side from time to time and to car shows.

Do I really need the IRS or will the solid rear 8.8 axel work for me?

Thanks,

Chris

[68GT500MAN]

The solid 8.8 axel will work fine for your application using either the 4-link or optional 3-link with coil-over springs. I went with the second option and am very satisfied.
Doug

[michael everson]

I agree with Doug. Go with the 3 link and use the money saved for something else.
Mike

[Pirate]

Thanks Doug & Mike. I'll look into the 4-link or 3-link options with the solid axel.
Chris

[Garry Bopp]

Chris,

The opinions stated so far are correct, for the least amount of money. However, the IRS option offers a much better ride and will increase resale value (I know, we don't ever plan on selling these cars). If you decide to go with the 4 link suspension, you will want to do the "coilover shocks" mod. I previously owned a MK3 with the 4 link setup and was amazed at how much more stable the car was at speed, once I switched to coilover shocks for the rear.

Garry

[Jason Lavigne]

Hi Chris,

Welcome! First off, I'd agree that the 3 link is a great suspension, and I'd definitely go for a 3 link over the 4 link. That part is an easy decision if you're planning on going with a Complete Mk4 kit, since we make the 3 link standard on the Complete kit. Besides great performance, advantages of the 3 link are its simplicity and the cost, whereas the Independent Rear Suspension is a bit more expensive and takes some more work to get fully aligned and tuned. I see the IRS not so much as a performance upgrade but more as a ride comfort upgrade. It's also one of those authenticity elements, if you're concerned about that, and it's a really nice bit of engineering compared to a solid axle.

One other consideration is that you can keep your ride a little softer with a set of 15" wheels/tires instead of 17", especially based on how you described how you plan to use the car.

Not to mention that once you have your '33 parked next to your Mk4, you can just put 17"s on that and size them so that you can swap whenever you want, just sayin...

Jason @ FFR

[JL1958]

Hi Chris. I have an MK 2 with solid rear axle and coil overs.
I drive it pretty much as you described and also being a female, I do not have a problem with the ride comfort.
Some women need power steering, but I don't have an issue with mine. I also have 15" wheels.
Welcome. Look forward to meeting another Georgia roadster family!