Project Dadmobile: an Alltrack story

Thanks for keeping this updated.  My '19 Sportwagen is set up pretty similarly and I can't believe I never commented on this thread.  is38, IE downpipe, MST intake, Golf R springs, Koni SAs, Golf R rear bar.  I have a 6MT with an Audi TTRS clutch.  My brake 'upgrade' was the 312mm rotors that are stock on the AllTrack.  I just love the car - maybe because it's so good despite being so cheap ($22,300 OTD + $6kish in parts).

I'm at 60k miles and the only problems have been the ubiquitous thermostat housing leak (to my great shame, I recently paid someone to swap it because my 360 is stuck on the lift) and a bad balljoint.  I have done nothing else but fluid changes and one set of plugs since the modifications at 7k miles.

I've been wondering what kind of lifespan to expect from this thing, given it's nearly 2X HP increase.  Your results give me hope. 

In reply to mfennell :

Glad to hear the thread's been helpful! Your build thread was actually what started me down this rabbit hole in the first place, and I'm glad to see yours is still holding up so well. 

To your point, I can't think of many other vehicles that deliver the mix of performance, practicality, and comfort that these cars do at the price point. Really, my only gripe is that it's so competent, it's almost boring. Even with the (likely) mechatronics failure that mine just experienced, I still love the car and am looking forward to getting it back on the road. Just wishing I had a 6mt car at the moment lol 

I need to get on getting an IS38 installed on mine now. Been stalling because of having to do the clutch at the same time. 

I got the Golf R Estate suspension with the Koni SA's installed on mine over the weekend. Just need to get the ECS's installed on the OZ wheels and my diesel geek short shifter. I'll post some pictures but this has been a great thread to get ideas too. 

Back in action*! And on the summer wheels now
Replacing the mech unit fixed it. Life's been wild, so I had the shop take care of it. The bill made me miss the days of DD'ing a manual ALH, but driving the car again made me remember why I put up with this stuff sometimes. Jon showed me that the cannon plug had cracked on the old mech, allowing fluid to get into the connection and short out the speed sensor. After installing the new mech and doing a DSG service, Jon had to bring the car to the local VW dealership to unlock it, since these have Component Protection. Maybe one day there will be a cracked version of ODIS, similar to VCDS. I can dream at least. 
 

*The car still can't really be driven since the new TCU doesn't have the DSG tune applied to it. Don't wanna toast my clutches after all of this. I've got an appointment with the local APR dealer on Tuesday for this. 

Next round of upgrades for the Alltrack!

First, a Golf R master cylinder. Pedal engagement has been a little low for my liking since installing the GTI PP calipers. This should help

Next up, a GTI steering rack. Still need to source new inner tie rods and boots for this. 

I've also got a set of 034 camber plates that I need to install so that I only have to get the car aligned once. I hate front suspension work on these cars lol

Front suspension work on these is no fun at all. Such a great wagon though!

Can't say that it bothered me.  I did buy the knuckle spreader tool to be able to pop the struts out, that made it super easy

In reply to docwyte :

It's not terrible, just annoying imo. I've got the tool too, and it does definitely help, I just don't like pinch bolt uprights lol

I had a bear of a time getting new struts installed.  I just couldn't seem to get the angles right.

In reply to mfennell :

That was my experience too. Had to disconnect the axle at the bevel box to get the clearance I needed to remove the old strut. Lining the axle flange, control arm, and strut tube up at the same time to get it back together was a headache.

I always did it the hard way until my last go round. The kit I bought included new axle bolts. Undo the 3 nuts for the ball joint/control arm interface, pull the axle bolt, and tilt the knuckle until the axle comes out the back. Still a little finicky, but much easier.

In reply to 10001110101 :

That's a good idea! I may go that route this time.

My brake pedal engagement has been low since I upgraded to the Golf R calipers. It's never been a huge deal because the pedal's still firm, but it's noticeable.

About a week ago, I came across a Golf R MC at an auto recycler. The bore's about 2mm larger than the stock Alltrack unit (25.X mm vs 23.X mm). It was $50, why not? Installed it and bled the system (using ATE Typ200) and immediately noticed a difference. If you didn't know any better, you'd think it's stock, which is about the best thing to say about a new master cylinder, honestly. Well worth the money and the time. Just don't be like me- remember to extract all the fluid from the old MC before pulling it. Rookie move.

Brake master cylinders aren't exactly the most photogenic upgrades, so here's my disgusting engine bay. New position at work has me traveling to various sites under construction. I need to get serious about detailing 

Whenever I do front struts on a German awd car (My old Golf R, my current 996) I just remove the allen head bolts holding the axle to the front diff.  That lets you compress the strut and tilt the knuckle, giving you all the room in the world to get the bottom of the strut out of the knuckle...

In reply to docwyte :

I didn't even do that. Had the fronts done in no time flat using the 2X4 method. Had both in and out in about 2 hours start to finish. Same idea though. Compress the strut to create more room to come out of the knuckle. Once I figured that out it was a eureka moment. 

In reply to bmw88rider :

I saw the 2x4 method, but it sketched me out a little. Might have to give it a try 

In reply to Turbine :

Bolt them into the swaybar mount. Held it in tight and worked great. 

I've used the 2x4 method, on the Golf R, once.  I still have the "tool" I made hanging around my garage.  It's definitely sketchy...

I have never heard of this 2x4 method....I also dont have any VWs that new.  But thanks for the lesson, I kinda like it! LOL