[alfissimo]

What specifically reduced the ride height of the T3? Body work? Suspension? A combo of both?

Very curious. I have never looked too deep into the T3 as I was planning on keeping the 10' TDI. So I am playing catch up!

Thanks

 

[alfissimo]

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

 

[TurboABA]

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

 

[alfissimo]

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?"

 

[Black Grouse]

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.

 

[alfissimo]

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?

 

[alfissimo]

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.

 

[gazaflash]

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?

 

[TurboABA]

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.

 

[alfissimo]

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.

 

[TurboABA]

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.

When I see the 3 vehicles that you are "comparing", I don't even know what you're after in terms of your "needs"...... about the only thing those 3 have in common is the fact that they all have 4 wheels..... every other aspect as far as demographics or intended use is vastly different.

 

[alfissimo]

When I see the 3 vehicles that you are "comparing", I don't even know what you're after in terms of your "needs"...... about the only thing those 3 have in common is the fact that they all have 4 wheels..... every other aspect as far as demographics or intended use is vastly different.

I am not comparing 3 vehicles. I am comparing T2 to T3 to weight the differences and similarities. The other vehicles are vehicles I was also looking at to replace my T2. Instead I decided to stick with the Touareg T3.

"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." These are obviously more comparable to the T2 I sold back or even T1, if the T3 is not exciting to me then I am going to look at these other vehicles.

I received a lot information from the PDF so no need for you to respond to this post unless you have something to offer?

What are my needs? This should do it once brought up to spec mechanically. If I am looking for something more like my T2 with transfer case, center and even a rear locking diff, as tough and rugged, I will either move back to the T2 or move on. The T3 will be fine for what I do and where I go, I think, hence the 1 year to decide. I have only had it for 2 weeks, it needs all new shocks too, so it rides like hell and I actually think it sits slightly lower than models I have seen in pics of new ones. My point of this post was to find out more information about the T3, more technical info as I knew about all there is to know about the T2 as I have studied it since 2004. I want information. If you don't have it, then just skip this post. Not sure why you you are so damn negative to all my posts? What's the f-ing issue? I don't care if you do not understand where I am going with this nor do I care if you do not grasp what I am wanting.

I will summarize.

I want more information on the T3 compared to the T2. As far as capabilities, function, build differences and so on. I want as much info on the vehicle as possible. I like to know things, lots of things, mechanical things to structural things. Lots of things. The PDF was great. I want more info like that.

I want what the touareg offers but not sure the T3 is the vehicle I should have chosen but we needed one quickly after selling back the T2 to VW. The wife liked it and I said Ok. So if after replacing shocks, breaks, wheels and tires the thing is not really what I want, I will move on. So far, the car is nice. I just preferred the T2 but my wife really wanted a new car and the t2 had 150K miles on it which is nothing really but at the price VW was offering I could not say no, well I could have.

Anyway, any more links to good info on the T3 would be great if any of you have links. I have found some but nothing great yet.

 

[TurboABA]

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

 

[alfissimo]

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.