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VWs use a MacPherson Strut front suspension. The MacPherson design is extremely sensitive to ride height, and only really works at or about the factory ride height, when the control arms are level.
There are two critical geometric points to consider when discussing suspension performance: the center of gravity, and the roll center. The distance between these two points (the roll moment arm) determines the tendency of the car to roll.
The center of gravity moves with the ride height of the car. Lowering the car one inch will drop the center of gravity approximately eight tenths of an inch (only the sprung portion of the weight moves downward). The location of the roll center is a function of the suspension geometry. Lowering the body one inch on a Mk4 VW lowers the roll center approximately one and a half inches.
As a result of lowering the car 1 inch, the roll moment arm has increased more than half an inch, making it much easier for the car to roll.
When a car is allowed to roll, the resulting weight transfer decreases the available grip and keeps the car from handling to its potential.
The Real Street suspension kit is carefully designed to maintain stock ride height at the front of the car while increasing the spring rate by 50-70% depending on application. The increased spring rate in conjunction with the Shine Rear Swaybar does an excellent job of controlling body roll, squat and dive.
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