Offroad Rabbit

[CarlosA]

Gents,

I just spent the last 3 hours driving around 40 miles on muddy forest access roads in my Rabbit. I didn`t really plan for it, it has just been a recurring theme around here. Of course much of the time was spent nearly getting high centered, or losing traction completely. My car did come with a factory style oil pan skid. I believe I have a LSD also, when losing and gaining traction happens it reminds me a lot of a 4x4 LSD.

I'm normally content to take a normal 4x4 Jeep out there but lately can't stomach a $80 fill up & burning most of it.

The fuel gauge on the Rabbit barely moves on these slow moving journeys.

The issue here is of course ground clearance. I am aware of a lift kit made by this guy. And this brilliant DIY leveling kit by TylerDurden.

Lift kit is a non-issue on this, but i`d like to see/hear how others might have done it.

The smallest bias-ply mud tire I found by Interco comes in a 27.4" OD 7" wide & 14x6.5" rim. My larger snow tires are about 23" in diameter & 6.5" tread width roughly.

To make up for the FWD only traction, i`d probably install a smaller rock crawler style winch.

This leaves just fuel lines, tank & shifter linkage under the car dragging on stuff.

I would like to open a discussion of everyone else's experiences with Rabbit, offroad, lifted, tires, FWD, photos, and etc on the topic.

[coke]

They made a "Golf Country", 4wd. Pretty bad assed, if you ask me. Factory lifted too.

[CarlosA]

They made a "Golf Country", 4wd. Pretty bad assed, if you ask me. Factory lifted too.

That golf country is super cool, but I doubt there are any in the US.

That really would be perfect for this.

[coke]

Yeah. You have no idea how bad I want one.

[bscutt]

Add me to that list. :~)

[82vdub]

Convert a Suzuki Samurai to a VW diesel? 4x4 exists, conversion kits are available, and you're set??..

[CarlosA]

Convert a Suzuki Samurai to a VW diesel? 4x4 exists, conversion kits are available, and you're set??..

Yeah that really would be ideal in this situation, you get the lightweight SUV style vehicle and so on.

But then i`d ask myself why not convert a Jeep Wrangler to a VW TDI. Cost a little more in the end.

Lots of options here thats for sure...

[FineFrank]

I added two or three inches of lift to my 83 by installing springs and spring hats from a 85-92. It's a direct swap in, and it's REALLY easy. I waited until I put struts on the front, though.
The rear is lifted the same way, although TD's dirt cheap method is just as good.

[bbob203]

passat b3 vr6 springs will raise you up quite a bit.

[Fatmobile]

What I don't like about just adding bigger spring is when you add alot of weight they load up,.. then if you have to brake suddenly they unload and the whole rear jumps in the air.
I had audi 4000 springs on the rear of my Rabbit.

[CarlosA]

Good to know about the springs, both the sizes that will give me some lift, and the loading/unloading issue. I think i`d go with blocks or extending them if anything.

I have kinda written this idea off, but its still in the back of my mind... Especially after seeing pics of the subframe used to lift the Country & support its undercarriage.

There is still the FWD only issue.

[joat]

add a limited slip kit to the tranny ( posi-traction ) to get both wheels going ....



is this strictly an off road beast or does it have to see the highway too?