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Sat Apr 04, 2009 8:04 am

Quote: It can work with an early car because the outer tubes are not stepped. The later ones are as seen here

it is easier to narrow in the center just to save that step.

Thanks for the prompt reply, airkweld. I appreciate it. :)

Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:54 am

Airkewld,
By the way, what do you mean by "the outer tubes are not stepped"?

Mon Apr 06, 2009 11:14 am

econo_bug wrote: Airkewld,
By the way, what do you mean by "the outer tubes are not stepped"?
If you look at the picture I posted, you will see that the lower tube is stepped, making it more difficult to narrow from the outsides.

Mon Apr 06, 2009 10:49 pm

Airkewld wrote: If you look at the picture I posted, you will see that the lower tube is stepped, making it more difficult to narrow from the outsides.

How about on the stock German beams, cutting from the outside isn't also applicable? :?

Tue Apr 07, 2009 6:27 am

econo_bug wrote: Airkewld wrote: If you look at the picture I posted, you will see that the lower tube is stepped, making it more difficult to narrow from the outsides.

How about on the stock German beams, cutting from the outside isn't also applicable? :?

ALL ball Joint beams are stepped.

Tue Apr 07, 2009 11:00 pm

Okay, thanks again, airkewld. :)

Thu Apr 09, 2009 5:05 pm

OK, I have read through this thread, and here is what my question boils down to...

I have a 73 standard, with 165/15 tires. I measure 3.25" clearance between the top of the tire, and the lip of the front fender. If I install 2.5" drop spindles, would that be ok, with the extra .75" of clearance, or is there something I am missing?

My other option is to install the drop spindles, and then trade the front tires for 145/15.

Thu Apr 09, 2009 5:53 pm

weekendwarrior wrote: OK, I have read through this thread, and here is what my question boils down to...

I have a 73 standard, with 165/15 tires. I measure 3.25" clearance between the top of the tire, and the lip of the front fender. If I install 2.5" drop spindles, would that be ok, with the extra .75" of clearance, or is there something I am missing?

My other option is to install the drop spindles, and then trade the front tires for 145/15.

I added CB Performance 2.5" dropped spindles to my stock beam, which then caused the 165R15 tires to rub when turning corners. I switched the tires to 145R15 Nankang's and the rubbing was eliminated. Here's a picture with the 145's installed and stock shocks:

Fri Apr 10, 2009 4:39 pm

Thanks for the reply. If Iwere to only want to lower the car 1.5"-2", what are my options?

Again, 73 Standard Bug

Fri Apr 10, 2009 9:38 pm

weekendwarrior wrote: Thanks for the reply. If Iwere to only want to lower the car 1.5"-2", what are my options?

Again, 73 Standard Bug

Smaller tires or an adjustable beam.

Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:23 pm

Airkewld wrote: weekendwarrior wrote: Thanks for the reply. If Iwere to only want to lower the car 1.5"-2", what are my options?

Again, 73 Standard Bug

Smaller tires or an adjustable beam.
If he only wants to go 2 inches I would do dropped spindles

Tue Apr 14, 2009 5:45 pm

Wwildman wrote:
If he only wants to go 2 inches I would do dropped spindles

Then it would be 2.5" :wink:

Tue Apr 14, 2009 6:09 pm

just get an adjustable beam.

if it doesnt clear and it rubs then bring it up one step and try again. this way you way youll be at the lower point with out rubbing. my 2 cents

Wed Apr 15, 2009 5:53 am

Update

I picked up a set of slightly used, forged drop spindles for $70. I recently put new shocks on the car, and when I measure, I have 3.75" from the top of the tire to the lip of the fender. I am going to try them, and see what happens.

I checked with my tire guy, and he has a couple of 155/60/15 tires I can get for the front if mine rub.

We'll see what happens Friday when I install the spindles.

Wed Apr 15, 2009 6:19 am

good deal on those spindles, can't wait to see pics

Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:23 am

I have read all 21 pages in this thread. My question comes down to this...

I have the 165 r15 tires. I know it has been stated time and time again that they will not fit with the drop spindles. I measure 3.75" of clearance between the top of the tires and the lip of the fender.

Should I go ahead and mount the 155/60/15 tires on the front, just to be safe, or is there any chance at all those 165 r15 tires will clear, given the 3.75" I have measured?

Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:33 am

weekendwarrior wrote: I have the 165 r15 tires. I know it has been stated time and time again that they will not fit with the drop spindles. I measure 3.75" of clearance between the top of the tires and the lip of the fender.

Should I go ahead and mount the 155/60/15 tires on the front, just to be safe, or is there any chance at all those 165 r15 tires will clear, given the 3.75" I have measured?

If you have that much room they WILL fit.
Understand that if you install shorter tires,t eh car will drop that much more.

Wed Apr 15, 2009 7:36 am

Thanks airkewled for the response...I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

I feel stupid for having asked that question twice now, but I just don't want to waste time putting on the lower profile tires if I don't have to (I already have them, so I am not complaining about the money, I just don't want to waste the time if I don't have to).

Fri Apr 17, 2009 7:03 pm

Well, today I lowered my Bug. It has the IRS rear, and that was a little bit of a pain. I put drop spindles on the front. The tires are 165/15, and they seem to be fine. Like I posted earlier, I got the spindles for $70, and I replaced 1 bearing that was $7.95...so I have about $78 in lowering my Bug. I am happy.

Before:

After:

Sat Apr 18, 2009 1:06 pm

Airkewld wrote: weekendwarrior wrote: I have the 165 r15 tires. I know it has been stated time and time again that they will not fit with the drop spindles. I measure 3.75" of clearance between the top of the tires and the lip of the fender.

Should I go ahead and mount the 155/60/15 tires on the front, just to be safe, or is there any chance at all those 165 r15 tires will clear, given the 3.75" I have measured?

If you have that much room they WILL fit.
Understand that if you install shorter tires,t eh car will drop that much more.

Always good to know that they will fit. Great job, the car looks great! :D