Hi Markus,
I've never strictly measured the clearance on the two Touaregs I have owned. However with the V6 which had steel springs I used to bottom out on many tracks, some more than others as it depends on the degree of difficulty and the weight which was being carried. Have always kept the tyre height standard.
With air suspensions its been a different story, in the two years I have owned it I have so far never bottomed out. Obviously the higher clearance makes a difference but more importantly the fact that the vehicle never sags as you put more weight on - which is a key factor.
I'll get under it soon and measure the lowest point to the ground on all settings and see if it compares to the VW specs

 

Hi Singh,
Could you measure at the same time at the arch too, just for comparison, of course empty,
Thanks Markus

 

As a matter of comparison my V6TDI with air wheel arch measurements are Road Level, 850 rear, 840 front, Off Road Level, 900, 880 and Xtra Level, 940, 920. These are with standard tyres, I am in the process of fitting 245/70/17 ATR's so this will give an extra 18mm all round.
What all that means for ground clearance I have not measured and have no idea.
Hope this is of some assistance.
Kevin

 

As a matter of comparison my V6TDI with air wheel arch measurements are Road Level, 850 rear, 840 front, Off Road Level, 900, 880 and Xtra Level, 940, 920. These are with standard tyres, I am in the process of fitting 245/70/17 ATR's so this will give an extra 18mm all round.

Kevin

Thanks for this info. I've been looking for this for a looooong time. Do us a favour... Please remeasure the ride heights with the new tyres...

My wheel arches with standard suspension and 235/65R17 tyres, compared with the Seikel kit and 265/65R17 tyres are: (OLD/NEW)
FR - 850/912
FL - 852/910
RR - 849/900
RL - 858/907
This is with an empty vehicle with a full tank of fuel.

My 265/65's and your 245/70's are very similar in diameter. The tyres did make a difference, but keep in mind that you lose a lot of it when deflating.

 

I agree, where are VW measuring there 237mm clearance? I have a steal sprung 2006 V8 and I have measured my clearance ground to underside of front bash plate (plastic) guess what 210mm not 237mm. Have origional tyres and car has done no hard work only 32,000kms.

Would always go air suspension if I brought again. 220mm is just not enough. High clearence is 250mm in 4X4 books!

VW42.

 

Please keep it coming in, all very interesting

 

I now have the 245/70/17 ATR tyres fitted. Measurements to wheel arch at air suspension Road Level. Rear 875mm, front 865. This is lightly laden but with air this should make no difference.

This is a 25mm difference from the standard Goodyear Wrangler F1 255/60/17, these original tyres seem to be very much a high speed highway tyre, I am sure they will do the job but are probably vulnerable in unsealed and off road situations.

The 245's are a LT construction with a high load rating while maintaining the required speed spec's.
They certainly look the goods, how they perform remains to be seen. So far zero km's.
I will certainly yell if ther are issues. Hope all this makes sense and is of some assistance.
KT

 

Excellent, thanks Kevin

How's the stance on your Treg? Interesting that it lifts 10mm more at the back when in Off-Road and Xtra modes...?

Using your data, it seems like I'll be 5mm higher in front and 20mm lower at the back, compared to Off-Road mode and -35/-60 FR/RR compared to Xtra. That's with the same tyres fitted.

With 265/70R17 tyres on mine, that should put me at +18/-7 compared to Off-Road and -22/-47 compared to Xtra with 245/70's fitted on an a/s car.

So, even though my suspension mods helped a lot with off-road ability, it's still no where as good as the air suspension.

 

Markus this has been a sore point with me for some time, for your interest my R5 06 My07 is 870mm front & 860mm rear unloaded. I have done approx. 75,000km My tyres are 245/65/17 Atr Goodyear wranglers. I am keen to do something with my springs I have spoken with Belstein in Sydney they want $4,700 to do a simaliar job as you did. How are your springs? you mention that they have settled. Has anyone looked into retro fitting the air suspension to replace the stardard springs?

 

Hi Wayne,
Most springs seem to settle after use, that means they compress a bit usually about 10mm from what I know, mine seem to have compressed more, about 35mm, they were Lovells springs. Why so much I dont know. Sydney shocks are very good they fitted my front shocks with reservoirs.
Earlier on I have tryed to retro fit the air springs, I was qoted for 1 air spring alone $2000 and no gurantee that it could be done satisfactory.

 

Hey,

kind of impossible to retrofit the OEM Air suspension, for that money you might as well get a new vehicle which has it.

There was a guy from NSW who modified his R5 with airbags but he has a V6 now with air suspension. Can't find the thread, but here is the link with some pictures.

Suspension Modifications Touareg R5 2004.

I emailed air bag man and they weren't (what a surprise) not interested in Touareg.

There is also a kit from the US available. I E-Mailed the guy, kit is around 2000 US, shipping is 107 US, but don't know anything about quality. Asked him how much lift I get, but he only asked back how much I want. Anyway, it is possible with a controller where you can have 4 pre settings, costs 350 extra.

You would also need to find someone in Oz to install it, in the instructions it didn't give any suggestions where to put the tank...

Tim

 

After scraping the bottom on many trips with the steel sprung I had, the only choice left was to sell it and get air. I enquired about getting air bags and replacing springs but was all too hard so gave up.
having said that there would have to be someone around Sydney who's knowledgeable to do a proper conversion....

 

Yeah, I'm with you Singh. I think I've gone about as far as you can with suspension mods on a steel sprung Treg and the measurements in this thread proved that I'm still no where near an a/s Treg in Xtra mode.

My next one will definitely have air. It's really the best way to go.

 

Hey,

just measured this morning, V6 Petrol, empty but full tank with standard tyres 250kpa front 260 kpa back.
Front 850mm, back 855-860mm.

That leaves me at the front with 210mm clearance to the metal bars where the plastic plates a srewed on.

Removed the plastic bars for my upcoming trip to Fraser. Not sure if that will be such a great idea. While they probably don't protect against hitting rocks they might still be good if dragging through sand. With air down to 18-20 I expect a clearance of 200mm. Unfortunatley I read that they apparently don't maintain the tracks anymore because of costs. Read in another forum that I can expect deep holes again with washouts etc. Condition report says as always soft and rough, high clearance only.

Was about to rent a Landcruiser after my last bad experience, but as my parents come along we are staying in the resort this this time and resort + rental car = too expensive.

Anyway, will see how it goes and do some petrol tests for the Simpson Desert Trip.
Then descision if bash plates + suspension lift, or get rid of the car...

Tim

 

Hey,

just measured this morning, V6 Petrol, empty but full tank with standard tyres 250kpa front 260 kpa back.
Front 850mm, back 855-860mm.
That leaves me at the front with 210mm clearance to the metal bars where the plastic plates a srewed on
Tim

Yes , that is what mine had when new, give or take a couple of mm.
237mm of cleareanc IMHO is definitely misleading, wonder if I can return the touareg and exchange it for one with 237mm clearance

 

I have a brand new V6 Petrol loaner with only 500kms on the clock which I am driving today so if I can find a good tape I'll measure it. Maybe the original springs sag as well....?
might not be able to get underneath to measure the clearance in a suit though but will do wheel wells

 

The topics I'm about to raise are probably covered many times previously, but I just thought it'd be worthwhile reinforcing it again.

Washout are always there on Fraser, AND the washout are often the cause of roll over on Fraser, so be especially careful, don't be tempted to drive fast like everyone else is, leave a safe distance so you have sufficient time to make adjustment if the car in front of you have to take evasive action for a washout.

Yes, I've heard that track maintenance has gone downhill over the last couple of years, so wheel placement will be more important, luckily the treg has a reasonably wide track and I find a slight offset to the tracks often gets me through the rough sections, the downside is scratches to the side of the car :-( .

ESP off, 18PSI (lower if necessary), maintain momentum, plan to come to a rolling stop rather than brake stop, leave plenty of time so you're not racing against tides, and (this is only my personal prefs), drive in S, or tiptronic, so you can get to lower gears quickly, I find having all four wheels deep in soft sand really kills torque and can result in loss of momentum. I have at times felt nervous that the motor will blow up from over revving, but I think if I didn't keep the momentum up, we would be stuck (particularly on the way to the western side of the island (very soft sand).

When you get back, change engine oil, I'm told silica, engine oil and engines just don't play nicely together.

 

Hi Sumar,
Just measured the brand new V6 loaner I have and the clearance infact appears to be 237mm. It was hard to get under the front in formal clothes but I think i managed well.
Besides that the readings from the wheel wells with a near full tank and new tyres(didnt measure the pressure) were:
Drivers side rear: 865
Drivers side front: 865
Passenger rear: 880
Passenger front: 870

I'd like to think its the sagging of the springs over years, but when you get a brand new one its infact 237mm which is what VW claim.
I'll measure mine when I pick it up today. Hopefully air suspension doesnt 'sag' in anyway.
I went over a big log on one of my trips and used the 300mm setting - so glad I had it. My mate in a modified hilux which is raised to the sky was waiting ahead to see if I'll turn back or cop bit of damage, but neither
Cheers
Singh

 

Hi Singh,
The sacrifices we makeBow Down and in formal wear .
Interesting that the new V6 has the clearance claimed, yet when my Touareg was new and I checked the clearance it was not there, it was only 210mm acording to my records. Judgment, who has a much newer Touareg then mine again has only 210mm, very strange. I do not think it is the sagging springs, 27mm is a lot of sag from a reputable manufacturer, but I still cant explain why my Lovel springs sagged that much, (37mm nor can they so far)

 

Good advice from Barefoot. I visit the area all the time, Teewah beach to Double Island & Rainbow Beach. I have driven the inland tracks & I would not take my Touareg on them, just too rough. I take my fathers landcrusier with 255mm clearence to bottom of diffs & in some places it hits. If you had air-suspension and off road tyres then yes, you will be OK.

The only thing in your advantage at the moment, is all the wet weather will have compacted the sand and tracks.

Agree with Barefoot, air down in soft stuff & I also use 'S' mode in soft stuff. I avoid high tide all together, that way don't air-down or worry about hitting bottom.

Its an awsome place, I will be there over easter.

Enjoy VW42

 

Hello,

thanks for the advice again. I will let you know how it went this time. I just hope it will be a bit better as I have more experience than last time. Before my first trip to Fraser I was only 1 time offroading at Bribie Island and that is not really comparable.

Just bought a set of Maxtrax because this time I will go with only 1 vehicle (will bring them for group use for Simpson Desert Trip, too). Will still have snatch etc. and I know there is always enough traffic, but I will go a lot slowlier this time to prevent damage. If getting bogged the Maxtrax should help. Preferred them over the exhaust air bag because I think they are quicker and more comfortable to use, even though taking space.

If it is very soft I agree that loss of momentum can easily happen. The only time I got stuck last time (and with me the 4 cars behind me lol), I realised a tad too late just how soft it was and I didn't get the revs back up, even though I was in low and 2nd gear manual, guess the Diesels would be a bit better at those low revs with power.

I will go usually in low gear S if track is alright or in manual if required. Some people prefer high but in my experience I am better of with low especially as it goes soft without warning sometimes. Not too worried about soft sand itself anyway, only soft sand in combination with holes and rough deep ruts cause then I need speed cause I will be dragging the underbelly.

Looking forward though not fully relaxed, one thing is for sure though:

I will stay away from these fellows.
Don't want to know how many of those accidents happen, which do not show up in the statistics because nobody was injured...
Here the story with the pics:

Fraser Island Tourists strike again...... - Australian 4WD Action Online Forums - the 4WD, 4x4 and offroad truck community. Get the latest tips, news, reviews, images and video clips.

 

no probs Sumar. you might want to take the tape measure and visit your friendly dealer to see what how far off the new Touaregs are from the showroom floor.
VW wouldnt want to publish/claim this number if it wasnt accurate, they could be in trouble otherwise, especially from our american friends.

 

no probs Sumar. you might want to take the tape measure and visit your friendly dealer to see what how far off the new Touaregs are from the showroom floor.
VW wouldnt want to publish/claim this number if it wasnt accurate, they could be in trouble otherwise, especially from our american friends.

Hi Singh,
I'm not disputing your finding it just does not add up. Judgment, AndrieK
,vw42, me we all have, or had max 855mm at the front and 210 under. To make it more complex your new loaner has 865/870mm and 237mm under clearance, Deezel has 870 on the front with 75000km on the clock. To get to 210mm underbody clearance you have to drop 27mm that is even from 870 under arches to 838-843mm and that is something I have not heard of yet. Makes me wonder wether there were different configurations available. Sagging springs of 27mm, I think one would have a claim against VW. And yes the next one will have air and lockers as it is the only way to go for off roads.
Markus

 

Marcus, I went to the VW dealer this week to ask about retro fitting Air Supension but they wouldn't tell me if they would fit, sound familiar. I then asked about replacing my rear springs with new genuine ones which would cost $400 each. He did bring to my attention that they are colour coded depending on your model, he said I would need to check on the colour to match the current setup. This could explain some differences between models with steel springs.

I have since checked my clearances and I have 230mm under the bash plates. 220mm on the steel frame (Chasssis) 210mm to the ends of the front Torsion bars

Maybe of Interest to all, I have been talking to KingSprings Australia about doing a 50mm lift. Up until now they haven't been doing anything but this week I was talking to them and they tell me they are in a test at the moment with a Touareg setup with a 50mm lift. They said things are looking good. He said that he will let me know as soon as they are available, could be by the middle of the year.

 

So you have 220mm as well, hm, I'm not quite sure where you messure when you say torsion bar, can you send a photo. Are you going to fit the kingsprings? Can you keep us informed. I almost went with King springs a few years ago but then went with the Lovell as the guy I trust uses them.
Markus

 

I took mine to the VW dealer, they measured, measured, checked the alloys & tyres, scratch their head and said. . They tried to give me some crap story that VW take the measurements from the centre of the axel, Bla, Bla, Bla. I said simple, the specks say 237mm GROUND CLEARANCE! I have 210mm!!!

They are talking to VW & coming back to me, they want the car a day to run load tests. The service manager did say they will put shims in!!! I said NO, not for over 20mm.

I will keep on them, I am still under factor warantee, lets see how I go for new springs & shocks.

VW42

 

I took mine to the VW dealer, they measured, measured, checked the alloys & tyres, scratch their head and said. . They tried to give me some crap story that VW take the measurements from the centre of the axel, Bla, Bla, Bla. I said simple, the specks say 237mm GROUND CLEARANCE! I have 210mm!!!

They are talking to VW & coming back to me, they want the car a day to run load tests. The service manager did say they will put shims in!!! I said NO, not for over 20mm.

I will keep on them, I am still under factor warantee, lets see how I go for new springs & shocks.

VW42

Good on you give'm stick I would absolutly love to hear how you go. Unfortunatly I have messed with my suspension far to much to do the same but who knows when a predesent has been set:chainsaw:
Markus

 

That's good vw42, mess with them a bit!!! It's about time someone made them realise we're checking up on them...

Apparently the Tiguan's ground clearance is just as suspect. I've seen a thread on another forum saying that VW measures the ground clearance on the Tiguan halfway between the front and rear axles (same point where they measure the ramp-over angle), which is completely daft!!! I wouldn't be surprised if they did the same with the Touareg. If this is indeed the case, it's still misleading IMO.

You have every right to demand that the lowest point on the vehicle is 237mm of the ground. That is what's in the spec and that is what you bought.

 

That's good vw42, mess with them a bit!!! It's about time someone made them realise we're checking up on them...

. If this is indeed the case, it's still misleading IMO.

You have every right to demand that the lowest point on the vehicle is 237mm of the ground. That is what's in the spec and that is what you bought.

I totally agree
Markus

 

I am very keen to get a lift, so if King Springs have good results I will definately be fitting them, they tell me they use canisters on their struts. I will keep you posted.

I am going camping this long weekend so I will get photos of the clearance heights when I get back.

 

You got me curious so got out the tape measure, set the beast up to xrta level and got 89cm front wheel arches, 91cm rears and measured between the front wheels in the middle, 26cm but the low point was each side of that around the area of the inboard end of the lower wishbones and got 24cm. The specs state 26cm for the R50. This is with standard wheels and tyres (235/35 21 Michelin Latitudes with about 2mm wear) and pressure at 41 psi all round with a full fuel tank. Not sure that the flairs make much difference in the height of the arches but suspect only a few mm.
A point to consider though compared with a vehicle with live axles like a Patrol or Cruiser is they have a more compliant suspension and when one wheel is up it goes up a long way and so compared to level ground, the chassis drops a lot. The Veedub on the other hand has massive anti sway bars and if in the same situation, the wheel doesn't travel up nearly as much and so compared to level, the chassis height doesn't drop as much so you have more effective ground clearance in that situation. Not much good when you have to straddle a ridge between ruts though, there the only thing that matters is clearance (or keep out of the ruts!)
John

 

Not much good when you have to straddle a ridge between ruts though, there the only thing that matters is clearance (or keep out of the ruts!)

The ONLY way to really increase that on ANY vehicle, is to fit bigger tyres. Even on an a/s Treg, no matter what setting you're in, the lower wishbone stays at the same level where it attaches to the wheel hub.

I haven't had a chance yet to measure my ground clearance. I've only measured the wheel arches. I'll check mine over the long weekend as well.

 

its not only the treggers baffled by this ground clearance issue, most other brand owners face it too.
From an ADR & international standards point of view, "......Ground Clearance is specified to ensure that vulnerable components located underneath are prevented from making contact with the ground."
whats actually vulnerable might have something to do with it....

 

Cost...

Out of interest, does anybody have an idea how much fitting new springs/shocks does cost? E.g. the King Springs everybody is talking about?

I also checked the King Spring website which says that normally the lift on the 4WDs is 10-20mm (which is not the world...). Is the 50mm lift a custom spring? They apparently have a product for the Touareg in their catalogue.

What I don't quite understand is, wouldn't one need to get new shocks as well if the springs lift the car 50mm?

Markus, didn't you get new shocks rather than new springs, or both?

Will see if I can measure my clearance, curious now.

Cheers
Sascha

 

Out of interest, does anybody have an idea how much fitting new springs/shocks does cost? E.g. the King Springs everybody is talking about?

I also checked the King Spring website which says that normally the lift on the 4WDs is 10-20mm (which is not the world...). Is the 50mm lift a custom spring? They apparently have a product for the Touareg in their catalogue.

What I don't quite understand is, wouldn't one need to get new shocks as well if the springs lift the car 50mm?

Markus, didn't you get new shocks rather than new springs, or both?

Will see if I can measure my clearance, curious now.

Cheers
Sascha

I do not know what the cost would be now, to suite my need/wants I probably have spent in excess of $5000 to lift and make the suspension stronger, not to talk about the frustration of driving to and from. I do not know, it my have been cheaper to bite the bullet and buy a new one with air springs. Regrets, only that I can't get what I want when I want it, I always have a choice.
M