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Thu Apr 24, 2003 2:35 am

I posted this same message on STF, posting here for more coverage.

I am planning to start a conversion to short axles on my Notchback so that I can gain some clearance for a set of EMPI 5 spokes. With the five spokes and a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE950 185/65 15s, my tires sit outside the fender lip by about .5". I'm hoping someone can clarify some details for me before I buy parts. I've been told that for the conversion I'll need axles from a 61-64 T1. I also read a post somewhere that listed the following axle lengths:
26 11/16" short spline - T1 61-66
27 11/16" short spline - T1 67
28 7/16" long spline - T1 68 and T3
Short splines are 2", long spline is 2.5"

Maybe conflicting info between being told I needed the 61-64 vs chart above which would indicate I can use 61-66. Can anyone confirm the axle lengths?

Also need to verify parts list: axles, axle tubes, brake drum nose needs to be clearanced about .5" to fit on the axle nut. I saw somewhere I'll also need the bearing carrier from the short axle setup, can anyone confirm the need for the bearing carrier or do I keep the T3 carrier? Any other pieces/parts I'll need?

I assume that this swap moves the brake backing plate closer to the spring plate, is that correct? Assuming yes, I imagine I need to measure the clearance between the back of my tire and the springplate to ensure I don't gain the clearance I need for the fender lip but then have a problem with my tire making contact with the springplate.

Any details/tips from someone who has done this conversion would be appreciated.

Thu May 08, 2003 5:15 pm

i put a 66 and down bug trans in my 64 notch and running 5's with 205-60-15 they fit.i would get a complete drum to drum bug trans and save some work. it does move the tire inwards some

Fri May 09, 2003 1:04 am

I have 66 bug axels and tubes on my square,
t3 drums machined down 14 mm,
and 65/66 bug bearing caps (i don't remember exactly)

fits perfect. You need bug tubes, axels, and bearing caps. the type 3 bearing cap isn't deep enough. yes it does move the drum closer to the spring plate, but no closer than a stock bug, mine is about 2 1/4 in narrower on earch side. I have no problems with touching the spring plate at all and its not a future concern when I throw on my 16 in fuchs. Thats why someone invented spacers, right! It looks bitchin and my I don't rub on the rear fenders anymore. e-mail me if you have any further questions.

os

Fri May 09, 2003 1:06 am

whatever you do, don't use bug drums, if is relatively cheap to machine down your t3 drums and you don't have to sacrifice your big brakes to some pussy bug brakes. You really aren't saving any work by using the bug drums.

os

Tue May 13, 2003 12:19 am

Jim you are correct with the early 61-64 axles. my notch 62-63 ( still trying to figure out what year it really is) has 205's on the rear.
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/51441.jpg
as you can see, the tires sit right on the lip of the fender. With 185's you could lower the rear even more. Listen to oldeskuel and KEEP THE T-3 BRAKES. bug brakes are junk on the heavier t-3's, they barely stopped the 250-300lb lighter bug

Mon Apr 23, 2012 6:23 pm

Is an early ghia gearbox the same as a bug? Can it be used for the short axle conversion?

Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:29 pm

Frizzell39 wrote: Is an early ghia gearbox the same as a bug? Can it be used for the short axle conversion?

Yes.

Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:41 am

Awesome, I can get one of those. Thanks