How to lift a Bus

fastmc25 · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 7:03 am Post subject:

Here's mine..... and it's very stable. All Vw bus suspension with modifications..... 3" front lift and 4" rear lift... V6 Chevy powered.... 200hp and 200 ft. lbs. torque. Easily cruises at 75mph..pulling a trailer...all day long..... Very strong and fun to travel in.... Cool

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

I know... some like ... some don't .... I built this for the fun..... bus was resurrected from a pasture for $200.......

Here is my buildup... http://www.shoptalkforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=99299
_________________
Peace,

Paul

1973 Type181 Kubelwagen (Thing 2 ) 2110cc
1971 Transporter (Pickle) 1914cc
1961 Deluxe Beetle (Christine) 1776cc
1973 Adventurewagen Baja Bus (Clyde) 3.4L
1970 Formula Vee Beetle 2276cc

I identify as: “A Grumpy Old Vet”

fusername · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 8:52 am Post subject:

are there any good build threads on any of your buses? This often comes up, with plenty of pictures, but no information on how it was done. I always get the itch to lift my bus, but I can't tell what it would take. the front seems easy, just weld plate onto the shock towers, but the rear seems harder. the only build i can remember seeing added plates but those bent. He reinforced them, but I don't know if they worked after that.
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Need something custom bent up? shoot me an email, maybe we can make it work!

FORSALE: Thrust cut T4 and 1.9 main bearings

babysnakes · Samba Member Joined: August 19, 2008 Posts: 7148

Holy crap!! That 1 pic almost looks like Karls avitar.

Rick73Super · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:30 am Post subject:

I can appreciate a lifted bus done well, but this first guy is a f'tard hack.

fastmc25 · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:58 am Post subject:

fusername · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:01 pm Post subject:

so this is your work in his thread;

how hard have you pushed those brackets? I am currently rereading thru both of those threads to see what other gems are in there. also where did the axles come from?[/url]
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[email protected]
Need something custom bent up? shoot me an email, maybe we can make it work!

FORSALE: Thrust cut T4 and 1.9 main bearings

LIFE IN THE LOW LANE · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:48 pm Post subject:

all of the pics I have posted of my family lifted buses DO NOT use plates welded onto the shock towers to get the lift in the front. We engineer a box section same design as the chassis rail into the chassis where the front end would normally sit. this then lifts the front end off the chassis by as much as you need. We have never bent one but have had to repair many of the weld on plate type lifts from people who wanted to do it the "cheap" way. As you can see by the pics we put the buses/utes through their paces more than just about anyone and have never had a failure. Strongest way to do it but it isn't the cheapest way by a long shot.

fastmc25 · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 2:22 pm Post subject:

fusername · Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:19 pm Post subject:

do you have a thread detailing your lift process? really want to see how involved it is before I commit. I have a bus that is on its way out (terminal cancer) and I figure as a last hurrah I am gonna lift it the cheap way right before I scrap it, that way I know what I am doing the second time around.

looks like 2.5 inch lift in the back, maybe 3.5 when you respline a little extra? I figure lifted spindles in the front would be a better idea then lifting the beam up. how much does that plate alone lift the bus?
_________________
[email protected]
Need something custom bent up? shoot me an email, maybe we can make it work!

FORSALE: Thrust cut T4 and 1.9 main bearings

fastmc25 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:50 am Post subject:

fusername · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 8:25 pm Post subject:

so no pics of how you did your front end anywhere? that plate seems to be the simplest/fastest/cheapest way. what is the limit you can do before the torsion housings start to hit things? I figure that plate + 2 inch spindle lift would be about 3-4 inches total, plus a 4 inch rear lift, some 28 inch tires and I would be quite happy. this is all a mind exercise for now, but next summer, should be fun.
_________________
[email protected]
Need something custom bent up? shoot me an email, maybe we can make it work!

FORSALE: Thrust cut T4 and 1.9 main bearings

fastmc25 · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:08 pm Post subject:

My frontend is just raised spindles and coil over shocks..... that's all... I really didn't need pics. With this lift 28" on the front and 32" rears will fit....remember you will have to provide clearance the rear fenders for larger tires.... Smile

_________________
Peace,

Paul

1973 Type181 Kubelwagen (Thing 2 ) 2110cc
1971 Transporter (Pickle) 1914cc
1961 Deluxe Beetle (Christine) 1776cc
1973 Adventurewagen Baja Bus (Clyde) 3.4L
1970 Formula Vee Beetle 2276cc

I identify as: “A Grumpy Old Vet”

fusername · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:36 am Post subject:

wow, that front end looked a lot higher than just what lifted spindles would do. I will cut and turn my beam, rather then coil overs, figure it will ride nice, esp if i poney up for some adjusters I can dial it in. how much are those spindles lifted? looks pretty good.

and as far as clearence goes, thats what a hammer is for! Twisted Evil

_________________
[email protected]
Need something custom bent up? shoot me an email, maybe we can make it work!

FORSALE: Thrust cut T4 and 1.9 main bearings

fastmc25 · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

Believe it or not it's a very smooth ride.... The coils i use are for the rear of a bug.... they fit perfect and give a little more support for my big self....

I didn't want to go through the time and expense of installing adjusters up front... didn't need too..... it's high enough and rides very nice....

The front spindles are 2-1/2" or 3" lift......... heck i can't remember... I still have small amount of rub when going over curbs and large bumps....while turning..... and i did hammer the front for some clearance along with removing the front jackpoints..... the rear fenders are some of my nicer work.... Cool

One of the best things is pulling next to 4x4 pickups and being able to look down into them...... Laughing

_________________
Peace,

Paul

1973 Type181 Kubelwagen (Thing 2 ) 2110cc
1971 Transporter (Pickle) 1914cc
1961 Deluxe Beetle (Christine) 1776cc
1973 Adventurewagen Baja Bus (Clyde) 3.4L
1970 Formula Vee Beetle 2276cc

I identify as: “A Grumpy Old Vet”

jah_B · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:56 pm Post subject:

Sticky: Raising / Lowering a Bay
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1984 CABRIOLET 6spd, quaife diff, Neuspeed springs, sway bars, tie bar, short shift kit, bilstein shocks, 16X7 RSE 3pc wheels, BFG TA 205 40s

1972 tintop P30 CAMPMOBILE: M/T, 1.7L, dual kadrons, 019 diz. Sunny the S'kool Bus

You gotta know what you don't know. That's the key to wisdom. man.


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