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toritripp
Samba Member
Joined: September 01, 2016
Posts: 6
Location: Marietta, GA
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 Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2016 10:33 am Post subject: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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does the thing need to be jacked up and wheels off to change out the shocks or can the car be on the ground? Looking at it it looks as thought I could do it with the car on the ground.
I am a novice and new to thing world trying to do some things myself.
thanks for any help or links to video to assist. |
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GI Joe
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005
Posts: 2012
Location: Athens, TN
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ecopine
Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2008
Posts: 3
Location: South Coast Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Sep 15, 2016 3:34 pm Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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| Do the shocks from a beetle work on my Thing? |
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GI Joe
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2005
Posts: 2012
Location: Athens, TN
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limon
Samba Member
Joined: September 05, 2013
Posts: 45
Location: United States
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| Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 10:34 am Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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I changed my front shocks yesterday; lower bushings were "welded".
I'd sprayed with lube and removed the front tires.
Cut horizontally into bushing with a Harbor F vibrating saw as close to end as I could get.
Chiseled to spread it open and then unscrewed with a wrench.
A pipe wrench worked best for me because I could grip the bushing without squeezing it.
Good thing nobody's paying me by the hour. |
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randybriscoe
Samba Member
Joined: December 26, 2007
Posts: 241
Location: chicago
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| Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2016 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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The "bump" stop is the only difference in the Bug vs Thing shock install. Probably the valving was different in the original shocks too. Above is a picture of them side by side (the dust guard / travel stop assemble). We also had to cut off our shock bushing. |
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kubelmann
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2003
Posts: 3266
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| Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 8:45 am Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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| Good job staying clear of the stud shaft and threads... Save the cut off bushing.. I have a pile of them in one tool box. You know you are a VW type when you have a pile of these sleeves you have gently forced from the shock mount stud.... Famous VW question. Why did they put the wrong sized bushing on the bottom of my front Thing shock???? PB blaster, chisel, pipe wrench, torch, vinyl hammer. big flat blade screw driver. Milwaukee Hackzall with short, fine, thin M12 metal blade....patience, time and so on. Most corrosion happens right where gravity sends it.. Top of the parts ~~like new ~~ bottom ~~~~dust in the wind..... |
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HMVWNAB
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2006
Posts: 1084
Location: Sunshine State
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 4:59 am Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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Dremel tool with cutting disc works great too.
_________________
What are the last 2 words of the National Anthem?
PLAY BALL! |
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kubelmann
Samba Member
Joined: April 13, 2003
Posts: 3266
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 6:58 am Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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| Yes! The bigger battery Dremel (Model 8220 12 volt) are the best for cutting off stuck bolts or slicing the shock bushing and other tough rusted or jammed parts. I removed a rusted exhaust with the Dremel recently. It took less that 5 minutes with no sweat or mess.. This tool is somewhat forgiving as a slip with the rotary blade if you are mindful will do little or no damage to the remaining parts |
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HMVWNAB
Samba Member
Joined: September 23, 2006
Posts: 1084
Location: Sunshine State
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2016 12:54 pm Post subject: Re: changing front shocks 74 thing |
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Actually used my small hobby Dremel to cut off the sleeves using the quarter sized cut off wheels. They are like 10 for 5 bucks at Lowes. Small and compact and easy to maneuver👍
_________________
What are the last 2 words of the National Anthem?
PLAY BALL! |
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