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Thu Nov 20, 2008 5:55 pm

Hello there everyone! :D I hope this finds everyone well. I have a problem finding a suspension lift kit. Does anyone know if there is one made for the thing and if not does anyone know how to do a suspension lift for a thing? I have a 74 acapulco and am wanting to raise it 3".

Any little bit of help would really be appreciated! I have been pondering body lift over suspension. Thank you so much for your time and knowledge on the subject. I'm just starting the restoration process.

Respectfully,

Sean

Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:20 pm

Two options. Go to:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=258701&highlight=lift+kit

or search "lift kit" on this forum

Up Yer Bug is the kit..

Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:54 pm

For a suspension lift, there is no 'kit' like you would add to a Jeep or something. The suspension can be lifted for free if you have a welder and a pair of jacks.

Check out the offroad forum. There is a stickied thread called "Information and References". The "Technical Topics" section is what you are looking for. Just follow the pages linked to for "front suspension" and "rear lift and CV's". The table at the bottom of that thread will help with the rear suspension. Be sure that the CV joint angle does not exceed 22 degrees (you will want a couple degrees to spare), as this will destroy the CV joints.

There are some good guides out there that properly explain the lifting process, but I can't seem to find the one I am looking for. :?

A body lift, as Kubelmann mentioned, is another option, but the only real purpose of that is to get more fender clearance for larger tires, and a meaner look.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:10 pm

For the front, you can add beam adjusters. That will take a shop or some welding skills. inexpensive if doing yourself. Or you can buy raised spindles or have your modified to raised spindles. Blind Chicken Racing can alter your original spindles. That will run around $225-250.

the rear can be re-indexed at no cost just labor. couple notches.

alternative for lift is the body lift as mentioned. 3" from Up Yer Bug. I have several pics in Thing gallery in Readers Ride Forum on my body lift installed.
This option will set you back about $500. This only adds clearance for taller tires and not suspension travel or true ground clearance. also requires modifying steering and seats unless you like sitting3" lower.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:15 pm

Although I am not a lift kit fan, they also make space for a T-4 to fit in a Thing along with a 091 trans

Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:32 pm

Well my plan is to put some nice knobby tires on the car. I was thinking maybe 29 or 31's on 15 inch rims. Would that fit on the car without any lifts at all.

And the only thing that I don't like about the body lift is that the engine hangs down as well. Makes it look kinda funny.

I really appreciate all the feed back. Great info to have. Please keep it coming. Thanks.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 7:48 pm

They should fit fine, but you might have a little fender rubbing when bouncing over stuff offroad. It depends on how used your torsion springs are now.

If you are going with 31's, you will want to consider a higher R&P ratio on your transmission. 29's should be ok with the stock tranny, but it will feel a little more sluggish.

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:03 pm

yellow73kubel wrote: They should fit fine, but you might have a little fender rubbing when bouncing over stuff offroad. It depends on how used your torsion springs are now.
Are you sure about that? I've got 27x8.5R14s with stock ride height, and they are very close to rubbing.

BTW Yellow73, I checked out your pictures in the gallery. Nice!

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:08 pm

Currently I have a big bore 1600cc in my Thing. I'm gonna take it up to a 1914cc. With doing that would I still need to change my tranny?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:14 pm

Captain Spalding wrote: Are you sure about that? I've got 27x8.5R14s with stock ride height, and they are very close to rubbing.

BTW Yellow73, I checked out your pictures in the gallery. Nice!

How far out of the fenders do your tires stick out with 8.5 width? I'm torn between 8 or 10" width tires. And if so do you still have the stock fenders on the car or the extended ones?

Thu Nov 20, 2008 8:51 pm

slydogg007 wrote: How far out of the fenders do your tires stick out with 8.5 width? I'm torn between 8 or 10" width tires. And if so do you still have the stock fenders on the car or the extended ones?

For more info on tires check out the sticky thread at the top of the Thing forum titled "Wheel/Tire FAQs-Wheel/Tire questions/answers? Start here!"

There are links to previous threads that cover all sorts of info regarding tires, wheels, clearance issues, offset, etc.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:42 am

Fun 181 wrote: For more info on tires check out the sticky thread at the top of the Thing forum titled "Wheel/Tire FAQs-Wheel/Tire questions/answers? Start here!"

There are links to previous threads that cover all sorts of info regarding tires, wheels, clearance issues, offset, etc.
Yes, please do that. Once you go to non-stock wheels, offset becomes an issue. Disk brakes? Some kits will widen the track, etc. etc.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:25 am

kubelmann wrote: Although I am not a lift kit fan, they also make space for a T-4 to fit in a Thing along with a 091 trans With the right cooling shroud, the T4 fits fine without any body mods. I'm pretty sure the same can hold true for an 091 as well - I may be finding out here soon.

Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:17 pm

Captain Spalding wrote: Are you sure about that? I've got 27x8.5R14s with stock ride height, and they are very close to rubbing.

BTW Yellow73, I checked out your pictures in the gallery. Nice!

Hmm, I was just going off of what my tires look like. They are street tires on the 14in rims, and get swallowed by the fender wells. I am thinking of something bigger after swapping in disc brakes and Porsche 15in wheels (long-term upgrades).

Thanks for the complement on the pictures.

Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:05 pm

Yes, please do that. Once you go to non-stock wheels, offset becomes an issue. Disk brakes? Some kits will widen the track, etc. etc.[/quote]

Ok I will def check that out. Thank you all so much for the input and ideas. Its a great help. And yes I just had front disc brakes installed. So I'm not sure how much farther it pushed out the offset. Or how big of a difference it will make. But if I can put the tires I want on it without any type of lift then I will do it that way. :vw: