TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Mar 25, 2005 10:13 pm

have a couple of quick questions about raising the front end ...

first, is it correct that using thing spindles and trailering arms will raise the front end approximately 2.5"? is this preferable to the raise spindles sold by SoCal? are these parts interchangeable with the type 1 front end?

second, in cutting and turning the front end, how far should i turn it after cutting the center section? i assume it will be moved up as one is facing the front beam while it is installed ... any ideas or suggestions when doing this? since i want a permanent raise, is there any reason to purchase adjusters?

thanks in advance for your answers ... there will be plenty more questions to come as i start this baja project ...

Fri Mar 25, 2005 11:41 pm

Well I have been using the SoCal Imports 3in raised spindles with disc brakes for awhile now, no complaints here. When I cut and turned my front end I moved the center section about 1 in, this is pretty extreme, but I wanted to get as high as possible. I did not use adjusters I just welded them in place, why would I want to lower my car. Now getting the front end back together was a chore, I suggest another person that you trust. Take a look at my gallery and you will see how high a cut and turned type 1 front end with 3in raised spindles looks. Oh by the way spend the extra money on german ball joints, trust me on this one. Later,Mitch.

Sat Mar 26, 2005 10:59 am

thanks for the info vwclass11 ... anybody have any info on the thing spindles and trailing arms? anybody else on the re-adjustment of the front end?

Sat Mar 26, 2005 6:46 pm

Yes a Thing front end gives you 2.5” of height. You only need the spindles and trailing arms to make it work but the Thing beam is stronger than a Bug but not necessary. From my experience Thing front ends don’t like to be really cranked up because the ball joints bind up pretty badly when pushed to far. (I am sure Bug ball joints don’t like it either.) I would recommend cutting out the center section and using an adjustable replacement like the Sway-A-Way center section. Adjust it to the lowest setting and weld it back in the original position. That way you can adjust it up and get ride height but back it off when the ball joints start to show signs of binding. Also install limit straps or clackers since ball joint front ends don’t have anyway of limiting droop.

Did that make any sense?