Pictures of tire, wheel, and suspension thread for FAQ's

[djfordmanjack]

To each their own, I guess. Many different routes to take.
Personally I totally dislike narrowed beams, small radial tires, widened deep dish rear wheels and slammed stance. Most all look broken to me and compromised in ride quality. Not hating on all of those you guys, just saying. I am on the other side.

4.50 Firestone and 6.50 Goodrich on 3.50-16 Barndoor bus wheels. dropped spindles. about 3/4 click in the rear. Rides perfectly smooth with added tall highway gearing with factory 4.375 and 1200.

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[The 1969 Beetle]

Man this has to be the longest thread on this website! so helpful to have though

[panicman]

Thanks Deathray!
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Plate of shrimp

[DeathRay64]

I think you will be fine with stock wheels and that drop.

However you probably don't want to do the spindle swap yourself. I did it, but it was quite an undertaking. You need a shop press and a reamer tool and will have to re-bush the link pin carrier. So new pins and bushings.

I added disc brakes which makes the front end 5/8" wider and I hope I still have room, but 2.5" isn't really slammed.
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Making VW's and America great again.

[panicman]

Hey everybody,

I have a completely stock 1960, sitting stock height on 165 15's. Stock smoothies.

I have been out of the game!

Can I install 2.5 lowered spindles and be ok with the 165's?

If it will work, do I need to buy any other hardware to do the job?
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[brolli21]

I've been looking through this topic since i've bought my '63, looking for some more info on what wheels and sizes i could fit.
After some wrenching i came up with this:

Front:
2,5" Dropped spindles
6" Narrowed adjustable beam (Volksprojects(Dutch)
Monroe Airshocks with 6mm airlines
6,5 x 15" Speedline 3 piece with 145/65r15 Nankang

Rear:
Lowered Adjustable Spring plates
Lowered 1 outer spline
5x130 '67-> Drums modified to fit short axles
9 x 15" Speedline 3 piece with 205/55r15 Nankang
A tiny bit of modeling the edge of the arches to prevent rubbing

[slayer61]

Looks badass but something's gotta give. I say re-index torsions until you are happy with clearance & drive it!
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[Ecesp004]

Hello, Really need some help. Installed 205/65/15 tires on my 15x8 smoothies. I fender literally sit on the tire so they wont work. I was running 195/55/15 but wanted a beefier looking tire and get closer to the 25 inch overall size for the gearing. What do you guys recommend as far as tire size? Fronts are 135/15

[navyfam2]

[Sharp64]

[navyfam2]

[Sharp64]

[navyfam2]

[navyfam2]

Assistance Needed....

Currently have a '67 Sunroof Bug with stock errythang...

I just submitted an order with SOA Speed Shop for a 4" narrowed ball joint beam with narrowed tie rod and new ends.
Next to be ordered is the EMPI Wide Five Front Disc Brake Conversion with 2.5" Drop Spindles.
I also intend to put Klassik Rader Falcons (15x5.5) at all 4 corners.

I've looking for a tasteful drop of about 3-4 inches overall (need to be able to navigate speed bumps etc).

What size tires do you all recommend with the intended set up described above?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Wily]

[esde]

drop spindles + added width of wider tires: you may run into rubbing issues with the tires. Drop spindles move the wheel out about 3/8" per side. Those wheels will stick out about 1/2-3/4" more than stock also. So you're roughly an inch wider per side than stock.
I know people that've done fine with drop spindles and stock wheels, but with wider wheels and wider tires I think you're getting close
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[clay showalter]

Can anyone help? I really want to get my new wheels and tires on my bug

[clay showalter]

Ok I have read all through and love the look of many of the cars. Here is my bone stock, except for the JC Whitney hubcaps. This is survivor that I think has only been painted, just 39,000 miles, no mods, no dents, nothing. I am only looking to do 2.5” drop spindles maybe one notch in the rear and run Empi GT-5 wheels 15x5.5 with 4” backspacing. Can I run 195/65 all the way around or will I have rubbing issues. If so what size would I need to run up front?

[EVfun]

[lowN2slo]