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808donn Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2010 Posts: 13 Location: Hilo, Hawaii
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:30 pm Post subject: Lowering a Thing |
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I am going to be lowering a '73 Thing. I know that the spindles are Thing specific but was planning on using dropped(drum) spindles. Can I still use the Thing backing plates, drums & brakes? Also, can I just use the Thing upper beam and press in the bug joints from the other side so that they point down or do I have to change out the upper arms? I realize just changing to bug spindles will drop it a few inches but will using dropped spindles get me pretty low (share pics if you have) or
Regarding the rear spring plates, is it necessary to notch them to allow a substantial drop or would drop plates work better?
Any info you guys can share would be appreciated. I want to get that Thing in the weeds! |
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63ziggy Samba Member
Joined: June 19, 2005 Posts: 1100 Location: The Woodlands, Texas
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Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 6:49 pm Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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mine is the opposite direction
but what I have seen/heard
I do know a quick drop is to just swap out for a beetle beam and arms etc. That will do quick drop.
in the rear, I would do drop plates. that retains original suspension travel yet lowers. best of both worlds. |
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74 Thing Samba Member
Joined: September 02, 2004 Posts: 7394
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Bashr52 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2006 Posts: 5666 Location: On an island in VA
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:36 am Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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If you swap to beetle spindles, you will get a 2-2.5" drop off the bat. If you go to drop spindles, you will have that thing down almost 5"....
How low do you want to go?
You can use both the Thing arms with beetle ball joints installed the right way around, you just need to use the beetle camber adjuster since the balljoint diameter is larger on the Thing than beetle. |
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Flush_Gordon337 Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2012 Posts: 86 Location: Cincinnati Ohio
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:15 am Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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I went with beetle drop spindles (disc brake) and trailing arms on an adjustable beam. I left all the springs in the beam and set the adjusters to carry most of the load. I am using air shocks to bring up to driving height. Only takes 50-60 psi.
I went with Airkewld air ride in the rear.
I am very happy with the ride.
I will let you guess which one is mine.
_________________ I like to sit in my barn and play with my Thing!!!
1974 Type 181
Berrien 902 |
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808donn Samba Member
Joined: December 29, 2010 Posts: 13 Location: Hilo, Hawaii
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:16 am Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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Thanks guys! So what I am gathering from your responses and the thread link is that by just changing the spindles and adding dropped spindles I should get about a 5" drop? Also, I CAN use the Thing arms but need to press the ball joints in from the opposite side and use a bug camber adjuster? |
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AngelDeVille Samba Member
Joined: October 25, 2016 Posts: 98 Location: ABQ
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Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:40 am Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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Ahh good information!
I'm just looking to lower my front a couple inches. I have adjusters on my beam but they only raise it. _________________ Sent via two tin cans connected by a string and a jailbroken Atari 2600...
Suck it up, Buttercup! |
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Bashr52 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2006 Posts: 5666 Location: On an island in VA
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 5:41 am Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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808donn wrote: |
Thanks guys! So what I am gathering from your responses and the thread link is that by just changing the spindles and adding dropped spindles I should get about a 5" drop? Also, I CAN use the Thing arms but need to press the ball joints in from the opposite side and use a bug camber adjuster? |
Correct. Bug/Ghia spindles on thing arms with ball joints pressed in the right direction with bug camber adjusters.
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citroen Samba Member
Joined: February 28, 2010 Posts: 1578 Location: louisville ky
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Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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If you want to see a lot of lowered Things go to our website under lowered Things for a lot of pictures of lowered Things http://kubeltreffen181.com |
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JoelH Samba Member
Joined: October 16, 2003 Posts: 1312 Location: North Dakota
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Bashr52 Samba Member
Joined: July 16, 2006 Posts: 5666 Location: On an island in VA
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Posted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 5:19 am Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing |
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JoelH wrote: |
What are you guys doing in the rears when you super slam a thing? |
Either spend $$ for an air ride kit, or adjust the torsion bars and do it for free. Be aware you will get some negative camber when lowering, but this can be corrected by flipping the rear arms. |
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