| Author |
Message |
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
 Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 9:16 pm Post subject: Dropped spindles is it worth it? |
 |
|
| I got a 1970 beetle and I've been reading a lot about the 2.5 inch drop spindles I understand that I'll need smaller tires but apparently I'll need casting shims to keep the car stable, install some other rods because it's a '70, and I've read that there are some technical bushing work as well as the camber, and alignment change this sounds like a lot of work and more bad than good for a 2.5 inch drop, and novice D.I.Y.er any encouragement or discouragement will great thanks. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
andrewvwclassic
Samba Member
Joined: January 25, 2012
Posts: 920
Location: los angeles
|
| Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 11:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I plan on using them on my project bug. You can let the air out of your tires and see how low you will be approximately after installing them. it really doesn't seem like much differences if you look at it like that, but somehow people will like your car just a little more than than stock resto sitting next to it anyway. you can look at it like this if 2.5 inches doesn't seem like much take a ruller and see how much easier steping out of your car will be with that 2.5 inches. Bugs sit so low naturally I think that everyone should install a set
of drop spindle for that clean finished look. the work shouldn't be bad but then again I am not a novice and already have my body of the chassis so idk. I dont think you need smaller wheels if your only using drop spindles for the 2.5 in. drop. make sure to check out some tech on the rear axle adjusment as well before you make your final decision. good luck. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 10:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks! that's what I wanted to hear my only question now is, would all I need is the 109$ drop spindles? The way they explain it here
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D4160
is somewhat confusing on whether I need extra parts for '69 on or pre '69 bug mine is a '70 can I just pop the spindles on or is it more than that? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jhicken
Samba Member
Joined: October 24, 2003
Posts: 9466
Location: Fallbrook, CA
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 2:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The spindles you linked to are to be used if you are adding disc brakes. If you are still going to use your drum brakes, check these out
http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Forged-2-1-2-Drop-Spi...j-drum.htm
Personally I like the spindles aircooled.net sells because they are forged and not welded. But that's just me.
If your car is a '70, you will be able to use your original balljoints and tie-rods.
-jeffrey
_________________
Der Kleiner Kampfwagens |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jderianSF
Samba Member
Joined: June 24, 2013
Posts: 35
Location: San Francisco
|
| Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 10:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Aaron F. wrote: |
Thanks! that's what I wanted to hear my only question now is, would all I need is the 109$ drop spindles? The way they explain it here
http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D4160
is somewhat confusing on whether I need extra parts for '69 on or pre '69 bug mine is a '70 can I just pop the spindles on or is it more than that? |
I have a '70 too. It really is that simple. Remove old spindles. Install new ones. Enjoy your lowered Bug.
When I did mine, I also replaced a tie rod end or two. But if yours are in good shape, then you shouldn't have to.
You will probably want to lower the rear of the car too. Otherwise the height difference between the front and the rear "requires" you to add camber wedges in your front end.
I lowered the rear about 2" and the car looks great. Lowered, but not slammed. BTW, I left the stock wheels and tires on. They do rub, when I have a full tank, and when I have a passenger. But not badly.
Hope this helps.
_________________
Jason |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Thanks Jason, I am not planning on lowering the rear, and would I really have to buy camber wedges, what will happen if I don't? Also did you replace your "bushings" or is the tie rod ends part of the bushing? And how did you lower the rear of your bug? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 11:47 am Post subject: |
|
|
This guy here talks about taking it in to a professional for bushing work, did you have any trouble transferring the bushings and did doing this mess up your alignment?
-Thanks
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=349395 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
57BLITZ
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2012
Posts: 2385
Location: DEEK - U.S.A.
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Your car does not have those bushings . . .you have ball joints!
_________________
Jesucristo es mi Seņor y Salvador! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
smitty24
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2008
Posts: 2723
Location: Salem, Oregon
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 5:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| The Empi drop spindles work just fine but ONCE in a blue moon have issues. Most of my sets are fine. Just softer than forged. The caster shims are a must if you leave the rear. I install one set even if the car is relatively level. They help keep car stable and straight. I actually need a set for my current bug...stock rear end but spindled front. They do make a difference. Stock caster on the front is the very minimum required on a stock setup. It doesnt hurt and can be installed quickly. I dont run smaller tires with just spindles on anything. I used to have an adjustable beam all the way down with 165/80 fronts...it did rub on sharp turns but was still driveable. That was 4" lower than stock. The raked look looks good on bugs. The extra eccentric bushings are nice, but you have to play with them to get the camber correct. New ones dont always have a mark or notch like stock. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Multi69s
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5364
Location: Lefty, CA
|
| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 8:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The main advantage of dropped spindles, is that you do not have to go on a shock hunt. Your stock or what ever you are running will work for you. I wish that they had dropped spindles earlier. they sure beat adjusters when you are just dropping a couple of inches. Just remember - Don't Go Cheap, these puppies hold your wheels on, and there is nothing worse then having your wheel pass you as you go down the road. Also, caster shims may be a good idea, if you use them, go to a longer bolt at the bottom of the beam.
_________________
69 road Bug 2110
73 Squareback - 2L, T4, Automatic W/ AC
Gone, but many fond memories 69 Baja Bug 2010 - 5 Rib Bus Transaxle
Gone but not forgotten 72 Baja Bug 2010
My builds
T4 into Squareback http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=458944&highlight=
Auto Trans Rebuild http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=516066&highlight=
AC in Squareback https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight= |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
oldPSUguy
Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2012
Posts: 217
Location: Vancouver WA
|
| Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 12:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
| "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." To me, nothing stands out quite as much as a bone stock beetle. With time, they seem to hold value and get plenty of attention. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Multi69s
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5364
Location: Lefty, CA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2015 5:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| So I'm now replacing the dropped spindles and found that the boots on the tie rod ends are ruined from my pickle fork attempts a lot of the grease came out and they are still intact but obviously have holes in them, do I have to replace the boots, is it essential? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
57BLITZ
Samba Member
Joined: June 12, 2012
Posts: 2385
Location: DEEK - U.S.A.
|
| Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2015 5:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Aaron F. wrote: |
| do I have to replace the boots, is it essential? |
Yes!
_________________
Jesucristo es mi Seņor y Salvador! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Multi69s
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5364
Location: Lefty, CA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 10:09 am Post subject: |
|
|
| How do I replace the boots do I have to take it in or can i do it myself? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mountainkowboy
Samba Member
Joined: April 06, 2008
Posts: 951
Location: Socal
|
| Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2015 12:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Aaron F. wrote: |
| How do I replace the boots do I have to take it in or can i do it myself? |
Buy the boots only.....remove and replace, re grease.
_________________
Chuck in Socal
________________________________________
71 Super Convertible...DD
78 Honda CB750K
06 Honda CR-V (wifes)
63 IH Scout 80 "Beater" |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Multi69s
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5364
Location: Lefty, CA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Aaron F.
Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2014
Posts: 44
|
| Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 5:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Okay finally got everything together the tires rub very bad so I'm thinking of getting either 145/65/r15 or 155/60/r15 which do you guys recommend or prefer? Is there a big difference between the two in terms of rubbing the fenders, I won't mind the 155 with a little rubbing if they give me better traction? Thanks.
Got 195/65 on right now all around |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Multi69s
Samba Member
Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 5364
Location: Lefty, CA
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
