TheSamba.com :: View topic - 5 Spoke, Narrowed Beam, Dropped Spindles, Wide 5 Disc Brakes

Fri Aug 22, 2008 10:21 pm

Bigg Tim wrote: Does running the 4 lug to wide 5 lug adaptor cause, or have, any potential issues with safety? I have seen people say don't run adaptors, but if they work and are safe....why not?

I think most say not to run them because it's one more thing to worry about loosening up, or failing in some way. When you take a 205mm bolt pattern, and mount it to a 130mm bolt pattern, there's more stress on the stocker's parts, rather than if it were set up correctly to begin with.

Sun Aug 31, 2008 5:33 pm

Well, as you can see from my updated author profile, I have successfully lowered my bug. Went with theCBPerformance 21/2" drop spindles and 145/15 tires. Haven't had a chance to really run with this set up yet, but will put i through some paces this week.
Thanks to all for the correspondence!!
Cheers,
Jim

Sun Aug 31, 2008 10:58 pm

Looks good Jim!!!!! Post up some larger pictures!! 8)

Tue Sep 02, 2008 2:36 pm

Not sure how to do the task.

Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:23 pm

Here is my car i just finished setting up after reviewing alot of good info on the thread and the Samba in general. I also posted over in the FAQ wheels/ tires / suspension thread in the Beetle forum too. Here you go guys...

66 Sedan b/j front end- AE Empi 5 Spokes- CB discs, CB dropped Spindles, CB 2 " beam (adjusted 1/3 the way down) with 145's on the front 205/65's in back down 1 outer click. Stock length KYB OE replacement shocks.

no rubbing with 1 200lbs guy and drives a litttle roiugher than stock but nothing teeth chattering by any means. I too was worried about the offeset with the discs and spindles and wondered if 4" would be better. I chose 2" for simplicity sake. decide for yourself. Im happy with 2" beam and bolting everthing up is pretty straight foward. Hope this helps somebody as much as you guys helped me. take care

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Wed Oct 01, 2008 7:40 pm

Nice car!! 8)

Wed Oct 15, 2008 7:33 am

how are you guys running 2 1/2 drop spindles, adj beams and 5 spoke eagles with out the lower balljoint rubbing on the bottom inner wheel? i just currently installed this popular set up and my ball joints all literally sitting on the inside of my wheels..

help guys!

Tue Nov 04, 2008 7:21 pm

I read through this thread and am looking for some advice as well.

My current setup is this.
4in narrowed beam
Drop spindles
5 x 4.5 discs all around
Air shocks in front
Bagged n back; notched plates
Standard Fenders and short axles

I plan on running 205/40 - 17's in front and 215/40 -18's in the back.
I dont have my body at the house, doing a pan resto now, so I can't measure it myself;
Does anyone have a generic offset for this setup?

Tue Nov 04, 2008 8:57 pm

upsfella wrote: how are you guys running 2 1/2 drop spindles, adj beams and 5 spoke eagles with out the lower balljoint rubbing on the bottom inner wheel? i just currently installed this popular set up and my ball joints all literally sitting on the inside of my wheels..

help guys!

They just don't. I don't understand why you do and I don't...........Dunno.

Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:35 pm

I just went with the 2.5" drop spindles, nothing else, rest is all stock. Of course this is the look I was going for. I didn't want my ride "in the weeds", as it is my daily commuter to work and I didn't want any problems making it to my job. I know I may be limited in the wheel/tire set up, but for mow this works for me with no rubbing problems. I found the ride a bit bumpier though, but the biggest difference is the ground is a lot closer than with the stock height and I really notice it when exiting the car. :shock:

Fri Jun 18, 2010 8:21 pm

Do you have to have a spacer for the 5 Spoke Empis? I have a 3" Narrowed Beam coming soon.. I test mounted the 5 Spokes and they seem to be hitting the drum cap opening.. How much clearance do I need? 1954 Vee Dub...

Fri Jun 18, 2010 8:25 pm

valentinesr wrote: Do you have to have a spacer for the 5 Spoke Empis? I have a 3" Narrowed Beam coming soon.. I test mounted the 5 Spokes and they seem to be hitting the drum cap opening.. How much clearance do I need? 1954 Vee Dub...

I don't

Fri Jun 18, 2010 11:37 pm

Hotrodvw wrote: valentinesr wrote: Do you have to have a spacer for the 5 Spoke Empis? I have a 3" Narrowed Beam coming soon.. I test mounted the 5 Spokes and they seem to be hitting the drum cap opening.. How much clearance do I need? 1954 Vee Dub...

I don't

You have a later car, isnt the front drums different.. Anyone with an early Oval running 5 Spoke Empis?

Sun Sep 19, 2010 9:12 pm

Curious about some fitments here, looking at just 2.5 dropped spindles that claim only a 1/4 inch push out, on a 64' T-1 and running 145's with either Empi/ american eagle 5 spokes or BRMs, anyone??

Thu May 26, 2011 2:36 am

valentinesr wrote: Do you have to have a spacer for the 5 Spoke Empis? I have a 3" Narrowed Beam coming soon.. I test mounted the 5 Spokes and they seem to be hitting the drum cap opening.. How much clearance do I need? 1954 Vee Dub...

Scratch that old statement.. Ive since been convinced into another realm.. Ive purchased a 4" Narrowed Beam, CB Wide 5 Front Disc Brake Setup, Drop Spindles.. So there shouldn't be any issues in running either 5 Spokes or Radars/Raders..
Its the tire Im looking at now.. But I think from photos.. the 145s look pretty sharp.. Then again, having Disc Brakes in the front, I might go with the 165 for a little more meat on the pavement.. from what I read its a better choice... :?