TheSamba.com :: View topic - How easy/hard to replace swing axle center section

Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:44 am

Just doing some planning for next fall - going to replace my type 1 tranny with a freeway flyer with no leaks (LOL) was told that it can be done pretty quickly and easily without removing the axles. I did a search and didnt see anything on the actual procedure for swapping center section.

Can someone give me a quick overview on this? Thanks!

Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:44 am

Are you asking if you can swap just the transaxle while leaving the axle tubes and axles bolted up to the car? You cannot on a swingaxle (it's the IRS ones where you can). You will have to pull the whole rear axle out, remove the axle tubes, then remove the axles from the tranny and transer them all over to the new tranny. It's a lot more work than on a later IRS tranny. I'd suggest you buy a Bentley manual - the 1966-69 Type 1 book is the cheapest one out there that will cover the swingaxle tranny.

-Andy

Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:43 am

Hey Andy, Just give me a yell when you are ready to do it, I will help ya out and show you step by step. Its alot easier with 2 people also

Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:28 am

Andy, I will probably take you up on that - I was told that you pull the engine and disconnect the axles via C clips or something and that its pretty quick and easy. Was just trying to get a feel if this was going to be something too tough for me and Cindy to tackle.

Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:01 pm

I think everything is easy but the c clips holding the axles.

Tue Apr 11, 2006 7:46 am

Get yourself a set of ratcheting snap ring pliers. It makes removing the snap rings a lot easier. There's also a a pair of fulcrum plates on each axle that will fall out when you remove the axle. The Bentley manual will help out a lot.

Tue Apr 11, 2006 10:03 pm

Little off topic, Andy, who inspected your buggy, did they give you a hassle? My mechanic is so I am looking for someone else

Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:18 am

I used Walks on S Atherton. They do a LOT of work on all of my other cars. Took a while first time because this was just after I got the buggy and they had a "new service manager" who has since been replaced (Thank God). I am technically a 63 bug, so we went back and forth on a couple minor items (windshield washer and back up lights being stock on the original car or not). Also they did the kingpin bushings (incorrectly, but I don't hold that against them - they don't work on many old VWs LOL).

You obvioulsy want to make sure the car is safe (good brakes, tires, all lights work, etc) and they wont be a jerk. Ask for Jim in service and tell him Andy from ACE sent you. Good luck.

Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:59 am

My mechanic/friend of 8 years, refused to even look at it. He gets all my oil changes to large jobs etc. He said to me "Don't even pull that in my driveway. I'm tired of your f#@%in volkswagens, go buy a chevy and get it over with" and he mean't it. keep in mind that he only ever had to inspect the VW's and they are ALWAYS legal. He lost all my buisness now

Wed Apr 12, 2006 11:55 am

Sounds like someone is either jealous or having one hell of a bad day.

Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:19 am

He has started acting like this for a while now, he just now is saying it. but about 4 years ago I did spank his Cosworth Vega with a 65 Beetle with a 2180 in it

Thu Apr 13, 2006 7:34 am

LOL - well - maybe his pride got hurt a little LOL - But then again - he owns a Vega - how much self esteem can he have LOL - I had one myself (not a Cosworth, though) and the general opinion of those is it's a great engine in a piece of crap car.

Thu Apr 13, 2006 8:14 am

I definatly agree. I only beat him by about 12 car lengths though :lol: And the Cosworths was a "performance" car , he collects them(7 of them I believe) and it was slightly under 1/2 mile race