Crickets.... Does anyone not know the answer?

 

You're talking about .4" .... who cares? Wheel\tire combo & tire pressure alone will take up the majority of that.

 

I care. I already know wheels and tires will take care of that, same with a 2-2.5" lift. That's not my question though. So if you have the answer to my question, by all means enlighten me.

So here again is my specific Question: "What specifically reduced the ride height of the T3? Body work? Suspension? A combo of both?"

 

Since the T3 had a significant weight reduction from increased use of high strength steel, the springs would have needed revision to get the handling right.

I'm intrigued about why you need to know.

 

I suppose I find this interesting and would like to know the difference between the two vehicles I have owned. Is that ok?

 

Although hard to tell, the t2 I would say has a good 2" more clearance. Definitely missing my T2. Well not for long. Bilsteins, lift spacers and 275/65/18 tires going on. At least it will look like a proper Touareg.

 

T2 ground clearance 160-300mm, with air suspension, 200mm steel
T3 ground clearance 205mm with steel suspension, air suspension 233mm
All components in the suspension are almost the same. T2 slightly heavier, around 200kg, T3 slightly longer, wider, more room inside etc... (we are talking a few mm).
The only difference that I know is the front control arms are steel not aluminium on the T2. Explanation of the T3 in attached PDF.

Could i ask why you want the body higher?

 

I want more ground clearance for when I go to the mountains in California or Colorado. I can put 18" wheels with 275/65/18 and gain roughly an inch. I am also after a better look for the car as well which is not specifically anything but for the look although I think it will function more like a touareg should. I uses 265/70/17's on my t@ to gain some lift. It was right about where I wanted it.

I have read a lot and realize it's a minimal difference but the difference is enough to make it look lower and have less clearance. The extra room inside is minimal. I think the t2 has more head room in the rear.

I am just comparing, wanting to know a bit more. Is the T3 just not as good as the T2? I know it shed 350lbs. using less steel and dropping the 4xmotion gear. I don't know. So far this car is not my favorite at all. Not bad but not like the T2. I should have kept it. I am giving this thing a year and if I am still not enthusiastic about it, I am buying a Land Cruiser or GX470 or whatever. I do think since the shocks are all bad that is playing into my 'emotions' with this thing. I think new AT tires, new bilstiens and a 2.5" lift will make me happy with it. Thanks for the info, that PDF is perfect. Helps a lot. Seems technology has helped lighten and make the touareg strong, as strong as before? Not sure but I am guessing yes. Really the only thing this car is missing is 4xmotion.

 

If you compare standard suspension clearances, it's only .4" .... 7.9 vs 8.3 if I recall correctly.... If you put the air in Xtra then the difference is more significant obviously. All this is documented in the respective brochure specs, etc.

 

Start your own forum or become a moderator and ban me if you can't handle my replies to your posts.....

 

Lol. The fact you think I cannot handle your posts is telling of your demeanor here. Again nothing to offer to this post or any post, just waisting all our time.