TheSamba.com :: View topic - Couple questions about Swing-axle to IRS conversion

Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:07 am

Ok, I'm sure this has been covered before, but...
I even did a bit of searching before I asked, but couldn't find any info, so:
I realize you can weld in IRS pivots for the conversion, but can I use a complete IRS torsion housing on the rear of my '67 Baja?
Do people do this or does it not work, or is it just a PITA and more expensive?
any links would be cool, (I have the chicken racing one).

One other question: I'm switching my front arms & spindles for Thing parts, and the arms I bought have 1 good ball-joint, two with broken boots but still are tight and have grease, and one really jacked loose one.
Obiously I'm replacing the bad one, but do you guys think I can get away with just re-booting the torn ones? Or should I stop being cheap and replace em all? :o

Thanks for any help!!
This is my 3rd air-cooled VW, but the first one I've actually worked on myself so I'm a Newb :P
Thanks, Nick

Wed Aug 03, 2005 5:55 am

I think if you were to do a complete torsion swap it would prolly require pan removal and approch it like you were building a glass buggy, just don't take the 14" out of the pan! :D
The pivot would defintily be easier but, you really need to have them in the right place and I would not do it without a jig, which could be a problem aquiring.

For the joints just take into consideration the price of the boot as to the joint itself, I know the 181 joints are a little more pricer than T-1 but they don't give those boots away either. Have you torn into your front end yet? Did it kick your ass? If so then you may want to get it all new and fresh from the get-go. I found that its not real hard work once you've torn into it a few times. Plus its usually easier work on a baja with te open fender and no sway bar to deal with etc...

Wed Aug 03, 2005 8:08 am

personally, i wouldnt even begin to undertake a torsion housing swap unless i was building a completely new, custom pan.

Wed Aug 03, 2005 9:17 am

Here's a link to the conversion I did on Ellobo. I've done it to a couple others now and it works out really well. I'll never run another swing axle.
Good luck,

http://www.netspot4u.com/~manxclub/gallery/album91

Wed Aug 03, 2005 10:57 am

The installation of the IRS pivots would be much easier than a complete swap. I did the IRS conversion a few months ago. I used my diagonal arms as a jig to mount the IRS pivots. A little welding and it was done. Make sure you have everything level.

Wed Aug 03, 2005 2:06 pm

Thanks guys :)

Mark: I went the cheapie route and just ordered the ball-joint boots, and you we're right, not too cheap...$9 a piece. still a bit cheaper than $22 for a ball joint and $15 to press it in at paradise. hopefully they hold together, I'll be in Baja in September :D :D

Brad: word dat, I'd have to be crazy to do the swap, especially on my holey, rusted pan. hehe

Ellobo: thanks for the link man, it looks like you did a great job on your conversion. Maybe I could rent your jigs when I get around to doing my conversion, I work in San Clemente :wink:

Jowlz: thanks for the input, I've seen the pics of your car and its looking tight.

I'm sure I'll have more questions later, it seems like the guys on this forum are pretty cool, thanks again!!

Wed Aug 03, 2005 3:02 pm

No Problem Dude