REAR trailing arm Q

vdubjim · Posted: Tue Mar 07, 2006 9:12 pm Post subject: REAR trailing arm Q

i did a search didnt net anything useful.

Are thing and bug rear trailing arms the same width, for tire track?

kubelmann · Samba Member Joined: April 13, 2003 Posts: 3266

pmail me and I will discuss this. I have the arms you seek. K-mann

MedicTed · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:32 am Post subject:

Not to highjack his thread but this is in the same line, are the bushings in the trailing arms the same Beetle and Thing?
_________________
Ted Wojton
70 VW Bus Westfalia camper
2003 GMC Sierra

vdubjim · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:22 am Post subject:

kubelmann · Samba Member Joined: April 13, 2003 Posts: 3266

The Thing arms will bolt into a bug without frame modification but will add about 1" per side in tire track. Also the bug arms and Thng arms use the same inner rubber/Urethane bushings. K-mann

Brian T. · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 11:33 am Post subject:

I thought the thing rear arms are the same as the bug arms. The drums are about an 1" wider. And the shock mount is about an 1"-1.5 higher on the thing arm. The drive axles are actually alittle shorter on the thing than on the bug. So I cant see how the arms would be wider. I have a set of both I could measure them to be sure. I will be changing to the thing arms on my bug. Mostly for the wide 5 drums and higher shock mount, and they came as a unit so I can just do the complete swap.

Brian

mattt · Samba Member Joined: January 20, 2004 Posts: 1143

Thing rear arms are the same width and length as Bug arms. Bushings are the same too. The only difference that Ive seen is how low the lower shock mount hangs down. On the Thing arm it is tucked up a bit higher. The additional width that K-mann mentioned is achieved by the drums. Thing rear drums are wider than Bug drums. However, they are NOT wider on the inside. Thing drums use the same shoe, backing plate, and hardware as a Bug. You can mount Thing brakes, & Thing stubs on a Bug arm & vice versa, there is no problem with interchanging parts between Bug and Thing. Hope this helps.

mattt · Samba Member Joined: January 20, 2004 Posts: 1143

Brian T. · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject:

Matt,

I sold the engine. I am now thinking of keeping it for a while. My problem is I get bored easy. And after driving newer vehicles. I like the comforts they offer. So I am still looking for a newer semi offroad vehicle. The toyota land cruiser is one I am looking at. I dont want to get a new toy and take it out and rub against any branches or whaterver. And I still what to tinker abit. I just want to get something the four of us can get into and not be uncomfortable.

Brian

vdubjim · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 3:27 pm Post subject:

thanks matt

SO to answer my question, the arms are the same track wise, its the DRUMS that cause the 1"-ish wider track?

mattt · Samba Member Joined: January 20, 2004 Posts: 1143

mattt · Samba Member Joined: January 20, 2004 Posts: 1143

Brian T. · Posted: Wed Mar 08, 2006 5:19 pm Post subject:

Matt,

I am looking for a 80 series 95-97, Or a Lexus 450 96-97. These are great and have all the modern features. They can be had for between 8k-12k. The engines are good to around 300k.

Brian

Runboy

Can someone please explain the difference in the thing rear suspension vs. bug as far as ride height? If the arms are similar, are the torsion tubes/stops different to allow them to be set at a greater angle stock? Or?
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Mike

uberautowerks


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Thing/Type 181	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1