Dropping a Rat

LOLA · « **on:** May 30, 2009, 10:22:27 PM »

Before I have parts fling all over the basement, can someone tell me how to lower the swing axle on the 66? With the new light body and the straight axle front end, the rear needs to be dropped. I wish it were IRS, but, I got what I got. Don't want the /-\ look.

jrcnova · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2009, 10:25:13 PM »

I've heard of people raising the trans. I have also seen someone on Samba that makes plates to lower the rear. Ya might have to do some research there.

Zen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2009, 12:21:07 AM »

Quote from: "LOLA"

Don't want the /-\ look.

You could convert it to IRS. You can buy the pieces to weld in to the frame horns where the trailing arm bolts on. I remember seeing an article on doing this in either Hot VWs or VW Trends several years ago. Getting the lugs welded in correctly was critical, but seems like from there it was all a bolt-on operation.

Zen · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2009, 12:41:19 AM »

Here are the pieces you weld in for the conversion. This is CIP1.com, but most any aftermarket parts place should have them available. http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D4336

Of course, you have to change your transaxle, spring plate and spring plate covers, and add in the IRS trailing arms and CV axles.

Bugnut · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2009, 01:49:59 AM »

I have 2 inch trans lift kits that will take the camber outta the swing axels but it's not a beginer kit it requires some clearancing and the use of a bus nosecone to start with.

Bugnut · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2009, 01:51:22 AM »

Quote from: "LOLA"

Before I have parts fling all over the basement, can someone tell me how to lower the swing axle on the 66? With the new light body and the straight axle front end, the rear needs to be dropped. I wish it were IRS, but, I got what I got. Don't want the /-\ look.

Just noticed your talking about just getting it back to a stock stance.
easy Job just adjust the torsion bars there are many articles about it on Samba.

Zen · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2009, 08:23:36 AM »

Yeah, if you're just dropping it back to the stock stance, like Bugnut said, it's easy. Just adjust the torsion bars.

letsbuggy · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2009, 09:24:41 AM »

hey mike there is a tool to help this go a little smother and i have one here somewheres let me know if you need it 423 593 3388

LOLA · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2009, 03:21:44 PM »

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm going to start with a close to stock stance first. It all depends on how low the front is going to be. I don't have all the parts yet. Some are still on backorder from Speedway. I don't want a major rake to the rat, but it is way \-o-/ now. What kind of tool are ya talk'in about?
Mike

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2009, 06:43:28 PM »

I think I would wait until you have the engine mounted to decide on where you are going with the height . No load will make these swing axles sit with a lot of positive camber. The Allison had a lot of positive camber until I had the engine in and then it leveled out.

certdubtech · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2009, 09:13:25 AM »

^^^^ I second that emotion. Definitely wait until the engine is in before pronouncing it too tall.

LOLA · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2009, 02:46:16 PM »

Talked me into it guys, I'll wait. thanks

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Topic: Dropping a Rat (Read 2511 times)

LOLA

Dropping a Rat

jrcnova

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Zen

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Zen

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Bugnut

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Bugnut

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Zen

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letsbuggy

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LOLA

Dropping a Rat

Ret.Bugtech

Dropping a Rat

certdubtech

Dropping a Rat

LOLA

Dropping a Rat

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