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Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:41 pm

I searched and could not find pictures or any threads on this. What is the best way to tell the difference between a link pin and ball joint front end. My car has an adjustable front end and I want to go disc brakes in the front only but I can't tell the difference between link pin and ball joint. Any help is appreciated.

Wed Oct 06, 2004 9:40 pm

Luis, What year is your car?

Wed Oct 06, 2004 9:41 pm

Looks like you have a late car so it'd be Ball Joint. What year is it ?

Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:43 pm

a quick way to tell is to take a measuring tape to the beam. BJ will measure about 6" center to center of the tubes where LP will measure about 5"

Wed Oct 06, 2004 11:52 pm

For Standard Bugs:
65 and down are Link Pin.

66 and up are Ball Joint.

Best visual cue is the shock. The bolt that holds the upper end of the shock to the beam is horizontal on Link Pin front ends... and vertical on Ball Joint front ends.

=D

Thu Oct 07, 2004 4:46 am

easiest way it just luk at ur shockers, link pin have 2 12mm eyelets and the shocker towers are vertical or damn close, balljoint ha a top pin and bottom 12mm eyelet and the tower cum out at an angle.

Thu Oct 07, 2004 6:30 am

Philip..please use real words next time eh?

Thu Oct 07, 2004 6:45 am

Thanks fellas, my bug is a 65. Now the real question what dick brake kit do you recommend?

Luis
https://home.comcast.net/~marieetluis/vw_main_page.htm

Thu Oct 07, 2004 9:48 am

he is british so he is not using americanized english-- for instance his beetles have wings while ours have fenders.. since i graduated from high school in 1961 i have developed a tolerance for miss spelled words that have a tendency to irritate those still in high school or recent graduates... i also developed a strong feeling for which beetles to avoid except as parts carts cars for my 67's while working as a vw beetle tech. at dealership in late 60's and through mid 70's..... i am anal about info on vw's just but tolerant on spelling. :wink:

Thu Oct 07, 2004 10:51 am

Bill May,
There's tolerance, then there's illiteracy.

I don't have a problem with a few misspelled words either, until the overall message looks like a jumble of letters. I definitely have a problem of thinking faster then I type, so my Emails and posts would look insane unless I previewed them. Everyone should try to reread their messages or glance at the preview before hitting the submit button.

Tue Apr 09, 2024 4:44 pm

Thanks for asking this, in the same boat and my rookie mind is like huh... This question and the answers helped so hats off to ya

Tue Apr 09, 2024 5:08 pm

Rather ancient post, but since it's continuing to help folks it could still benefit from some visual aids. The link pin vs ball joint style of beam refers to the method used to attach the steering knuckle/spindle assembly to the trailing arms of the front suspension beam.

If you look inboard of a front wheel and see what looks like the picture below, it's a link pin beam. Note at the wheel end of the trailing arms the knuckle/spindle assembly is attached via horizontal pins (link pins), captured in place with pinch bolts through the ends of the arms.

If you look at the steering knuckle and it looks like the picture below, it's a ball joint beam. Note at the wheel end of the trailing arms the knuckle/spindle assembly is attached via vertical ball joints with their characteristic flexible grease boots.

Wed Apr 10, 2024 2:59 am

luis wrote: Thanks fellas, my bug is a 65. Now the real question what dick brake kit do you recommend?

Luis

I would go with whatever is recommended by the person who will be installing the brakes. They presumably have some experience and know what works best.

Wed Apr 10, 2024 9:00 am

luis wrote: what dick brake kit

Yes, I know what you mean, but too funny!