TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Apr 24, 2012 4:35 am

Hi All,
We have a 64 single cab Type 261. I was in AZ last week, and realized the front end is a ball joint unit. I was always under the assumption these were king pin front ends. And, as the front of the bus sits a bit higher, I am going to stretch and say the front was modded to a later model, and the rear torsion bars were never re-indexed.

Question is, how do we identify the front end with any necessary precision for parts procurement. The ball joints all have split rubber boots, the ride is harsh, steering box leaks like a sieve, on and on. And, it has disc brakes, with a Type 3 master cylinder (I replaced that once, so I know. It was difficult to match up).

TIA
Pat

Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:23 am

find a proper king pin set up.

on the bj beam, is it wide 5 still or small 5 bolt pattern? that will identify it as 68-70 or 71-79.

Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:25 am

Most likely 68-69 front beam with 1971-79 spindles/brakes.

Sounds like a good time to consider going back to the stock beam.

Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:07 am

It's a small circle 5 bolt pattern. In your opinions, what would be the advantage in going back to the kingpin front over the more modern ball joint style?
Thanks!
Pat

Tue Apr 24, 2012 4:49 pm

being able to find the correct parts. itll be level again without having to mess with the rear. easier to maintain.

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:06 pm

Or have to go through the cost and hassle of getting the later beam lowered without screwing up how it rides more.

While having disc brakes is nice, have only found three places in our 20+ years and over 250,000 miles where with drum brakes we had to downshift on extreme roads to keepfrom over heating the brakes.