Manx on Type 3 Pan - Suspension Considerations Reviewed

[Type3Manx]

Seems I keep coming back to Samba every few years with a different project, and a new account

I aquired a Manx on a shortened type 3 pan recently and have some suspension questions I'm hoping to lay to rest, as I keep hearing differing information. While I can run this buggy 'as is' carefully, more aggressive driving will require an upgrade path... thats what I'm researching from a budjet perspective first with minimal fabrication (to start, may get more custom later).

1. From what I gather, the type 3 beams are both wider and farther apart from each other, as well as the trailing arms are a couple inches longer... making the ride a bit smoother and travel a bit longer... true?

2. How strong are the stock balljoint spindles and is there any upgrade path (heim adpaters to replace ball joints)? I ask given the wider beam sepparation and thus wider spindle mount sepparation over type 1's, in order to limit caster change through the suspension cycle, wouldn't this limit me from using type 1 spindles?

3. Will a type type 3 disk fit on a type 1 disk spindle and if so would using a 4 to 5 lug adapter plate be subject to breakage under stress. If so, what about 5 lug rotors on type 3 spindles?

Thanks for the help, need a refresher!

[Russ Wolfe]

Type 3 used 2 different disc brakes. 66 thru 1971, and 72-73. The calipers and rotors were bigger, and the mounting holes for the calipers were farther apart on the 72-73.
The early parts were the same, except for the inner wheel bearing. It was bigger, starting in the middle of 1968.

The spindles on a T-3 are just as strong as any on a Type 1, maybe even stronger, since they were designed to carry more weight.
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[Type3Manx]

Thank you Russ! Do you know if the inner wheel bearing after 68 is larger at the inner diameter of the spindle itself or the outer bearing race?