Improving suspension on the T3 Syncro

One of the best-known set-ups, and one that delivers the best results for improving suspension on the T3 Syncro, is the combination of Old Man Emu (OME) shock absorbers and Seikel springs.

This set-up is designed for vans that aren’t carrying excessive weight, such as high-roof models, those with fitted furniture, wheel racks, etc. For such set-ups, there are other solutions that can handle heavier loads.

As in my case the van won’t be carrying excessive weight and I wanted to improve the suspension on my T3 Syncro, I decided to try the famous Seikel + OME combination.

Seikel springs to improve suspension

Seikel is a well-known company that has been operating in the sector since 1949. They started out with NSU bicycles and motorbikes, then became a renowned workshop for Volkswagen/Audi vehicles, and in 2003 began working as an official Volkswagen supplier. How did they achieve this? Well, because Peter Seikel focused on Volkswagen models, particularly commercial vehicles such as the LT 4×4, the Volkswagen Transporter T3 Syncro 16 for rally raids (since 1988), the sale of chassis for the Volkswagen Transporter T3, and the development and sale of chassis for the Volkswagen Transporter T4 Syncro.

Features of Seikel springs

Same length as the standard spring, spring rate at the front 140 kg/cm, at the rear 120 kg/cm, providing a lift of 4 cm. Seikel springs are ideal for use with original shock absorbers or Old Man Emu shock absorbers.

• The vehicle’s ride height changes by between 3 and 6 cm, depending on the vehicle’s weight and condition.
• The spring rate increases from 75 kg/cm to 140 kg/cm at the front and 120 kg/cm at the rear.
• The spring rate curve is slightly progressive.
• These springs are OEM quality.
• The springs are coated with black epoxy resin.
• The ride is safer and more precise, with only a slight loss of comfort. It should be noted that raising the vehicle whilst maintaining the same rebound travel reduces the axle articulation. However, this is only significant when driving on rough terrain without differential locks.
• The shock absorber travel has been deliberately kept at the standard level to prevent damage to the drive shaft joints. 

The special Seikel springs for the VW Syncro 14″ and 16″ were developed during preparations for the Pharaohs’ Rally and various test drives in southern Tunisia. Hundreds of sets of springs have been sold since 1990, and only one rear-axle spring from the first production run broke whilst in use in the Hoggar Mountains. As a result, production was switched to OEM quality.

Old Man Emu (OME) shock absorbers for improved damping

This Australian company was founded in 1976 and was acquired by ARB in 1988. Since its inception, it has specialised in off-road racing in Australia’s toughest 4×4 environments. Its aim has always been to improve damping whilst maintaining off-road comfort and good on-road performance. Hence, their logo features an emu, a flightless Australian bird whose powerful legs absorb most of the impact when it runs, allowing it to move across all types of terrain whilst its body remains virtually motionless.

Installation process for Old Man Emu (OME) shock absorbers and Seikel springs

The installation process to improve suspension on the T3 Syncro is, shall we say, straightforward at the rear and more complicated at the front. Let me explain.

At the rear, you need to remove the wheel, unclip the shock absorber at the top and bottom, and the spring will come out.

Easy, isn’t it? The only thing is to take the opportunity to clean and treat the area if there’s any rust, and you may also need to replace the lower or upper mount where the spring sits. In my case, the lower mount was completely crushed on both sides.

You just need to make sure that the spring mounts, both top and bottom, have a specific position where the end of the spring fits. Position it correctly and fit the shock absorber, tightening the fixing bolts to the required torque. I seem to recall it’s 90 Nm.

At the front, it’s a bit more of a faff. Same procedure to start with: jack up the van (secure it properly as it’s dangerous), remove the wheel and start taking things off: the steering rack (I take this opportunity to replace the ball joints), remove the brake caliper and brake disc along with the upper ball joint on the control arm. With that done, we can fit the shock absorber and spring, first inserting the lower part and then fitting the upper part, but not before compressing the spring quite a bit so that everything slots into place.

How much does it cost to upgrade the suspension on a T3 Syncro?

Upgrading the suspension isn’t cheap; OME shock absorbers start at 650 euros and Seikel springs are around 750 euros. So there you have it: upgrading the suspension on a T3 Syncro costs around 1,400 euros.