TheSamba.com :: View topic

Mon Nov 08, 2004 8:38 pm

I have a Baja type bug, 73 vintage. I heard that the Thing front suspension is super strong as far as VW's go. I'm wondering if it is possible to swap front ends, or if it is even possible. I searched in some of the forums, but didn't find anything. Has anyone tried this before?
:)

Tue Nov 09, 2004 9:59 am

you didn't search hard enough! One of the more disscussed subjects on off road forums.

The beams are essentially that same as a standard type 1 with the exception of a brace mount found at the shock tower. The difference is the arms, spindles, and torsion leaves.

The arms use different ball joint configuraton in order to accomadate the spindles. The plus to this is that the joints will stay seated when you come down on it.

The spindles sit higher than a standard so you get 2 1/2"-3" of lift.

The leaves are a bit stiffer too.

swapping as pretty much as simple as just swappin parts over. I have a 73' baja also and allthough I have lifted spindles not things I was able to use my stock brake hoses (allthough I would not have gone hard offroad) I did go with longer S/S ones right away (which were just carded as a stock size line in the store) Also some will say that you will ned a longer speedo cable. mines stayed together oven hard offroad, but a superbeetle cable usually fits the bill if you have any issues.