TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:09 am

What is the approx wt of a complete beam spindle to spindle? I hope to switch out real soon for a 4" narrow version and my helper will be my wife. She helped remove a complete engine off the back of a pickup truck & she called that spousal abuse.
Are there any special lifts, or dollies your using that makes it a one man job to remove/install a beam? I've done it a dozen times on a beetle but having only owned a bus for a week that thing looks enormous.

Thanks

Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:12 am

yes its heavy definately gonna want a jack

Thu Jul 19, 2012 11:46 am

There is definitely some weight to it but with the use of a jack you'll be able to get that sucker out. I've done it twice, same with engine removal and transaxle removal, one man job. Good luck.

Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:46 pm

The beam does weigh less if you remove the drums and spindles before removing the beam.
It is also easier to remove the drum and spindles before removing the beam.

Always be safe and crack the beam bolts loose before jacking the bus up.
Use jack stands
Place the tires unlder the bus in case it falls.

Actually, first separate the front shift coupler before even touching the beam bolts. Do a search on removing the front shift coupler. It usually is rusted stuck. Don't bugger up the shift rods. You have to pull out the front shift rod before you remove the beam.

Thu Jul 19, 2012 12:51 pm

Definitely can be a one man job with a floor jack. Remove all the brake stuff to save some weight. Wrap the spindle threads heavily with electrical tape to protect them. If the jack is under the center pin, watch for the beam to tip back once its free.

Thu Jul 19, 2012 5:30 pm

i remove everything down to the trailing arms before i take the beam out or install it
much lighter and easy to deal with plus all those parts are easier to remove with the beam installed

Fri Jul 20, 2012 8:15 am

Local Manufacture of Workshop Equipment

at

http://oacdp.org/

has lots and lots and lots of images, blueprints, and explanations of tools for the VW Dealerships that were to be built. Among which are fixtures to lift into place items like engines, transaxles, front beams, etc.....

Sun Jul 22, 2012 3:01 am

I built a holder to put on my jack when taking beams out. Here's a pic:

If you have a welder it wouldn't be too hard to make one of these..Just measure off the beam to see how far apart to space the upright parts....

Sun Jul 22, 2012 4:14 am

They only way I could remove shift rod from my 61 panel was to slide it toward the rear of bus.......not foward like everything I read........Remove the two coupler screws and spray inside the holes with penatrating oil,like blaster,then use two vice grips and gently twist the shift rod untill it moves freely.You can use a center punch if you are very careful and press into coupler screw hole and gently slide it back a tad............You just want to be able to use the two suggestions only if the shift rod is rusty and stuck.