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Bug53
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2021
Posts: 704
Location: Pawcatuck, CT.
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 Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2021 8:01 pm Post subject: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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I want do do 2-1/2" drum brake drop spindles on my early 68 bug without changing the tie rod ends to "69" ends.
Is there a kit out there that allows this?? |
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Karatemoto
Samba Member
Joined: September 05, 2020
Posts: 4
Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2021 10:20 am Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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| I just went through this myself...my 68 actually had early tierrods on one side and late on the other. For what it's worth cost wise, my recommendation is to change the Pitman arm and tie rods to late model size and do your dropped spindles. Rough in the length of the new tie rod ends from the old ones on the bench and giver!!! |
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Q-Dog
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2010
Posts: 8699
Location: Sunset, Louisiana
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| Posted: Wed Jun 09, 2021 12:21 pm Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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You could maybe get a machine shop to custom make 2 bushings to fit the early tie rod ends into the new spindles. Or just replace your outer tie rod ends.
_________________
Brian
'69 Dune Buggy
'69 Beetle Convertible
'70 Beetle |
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ashman40
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007
Posts: 15982
Location: North Florida, USA
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| Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 2:47 pm Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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| Q-Dog wrote: |
| Or just replace your outer tie rod ends. |
^^^^ This
The '69-later tie rod ends are less than $20/each. I believe the threaded ends are the same as you '68-earlier ones. Just be sure to get the proper LH or RH threaded ones to replace the outer tie rod ends you have. Check the threads for the ones you have now before ordering.
_________________
AshMan40
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'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road  }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!} |
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Bug53
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2021
Posts: 704
Location: Pawcatuck, CT.
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| Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:51 pm Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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OK so It's not that big of a deal then.
New tie rod ends it is. |
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Bug53
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2021
Posts: 704
Location: Pawcatuck, CT.
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| Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2021 11:12 pm Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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| Karatemoto wrote: |
| I just went through this myself...my 68 actually had early tierrods on one side and late on the other. For what it's worth cost wise, my recommendation is to change the Pitman arm and tie rods to late model size and do your dropped spindles. Rough in the length of the new tie rod ends from the old ones on the bench and giver!!! |
I am running 165HR15 tires. I am wondering if they will clear?
What did you use for tires? |
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ashman40
Samba Member
Joined: February 16, 2007
Posts: 15982
Location: North Florida, USA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2021 8:06 pm Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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| Bug53 wrote: |
I am running 165HR15 tires. I am wondering if they will clear?
What did you use for tires? |
165s on stock Beetle steel wheels will rub with 2.5" dropped spindles. It might be okay if you run the stock style aftermarket wheels that have the extra offset. Take a look at these 4x130mm x4.5" wide wheel with a 4.5" back spacing. You can see how much more the mounting surface sticks out in the pics.
https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D6622%2DMB
One thing you can do that can help is to maximize your camber to push the top of the tires are far in as possible to give maximum fender clearance. Expect your tires will wear on the inside and you will have compromised traction. The aftermarket camber adjusters that have the extra offset provide even more inward movement.
The easiest solution to clear the fender is to run 145/80R-15 tires on the front wheels. These fit nicely on the 4" or 4.5" stock wheels.
The next option is to replace the front torsion beam with a narrowed beam. The 2" narrowed and adjustable beams bring the wheels in by about the same amount the dropped spindles push them out. But this is not a cheap solution.
_________________
AshMan40
---------------------------
'67 Beetle #1 {project car that never made it to the road }
'75 Beetle 1200LS (RHD Japan model) {junked due to frame rot}
'67 Beetle #2 {2019 project car - Wish me luck!} |
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Bug53
Samba Member
Joined: February 22, 2021
Posts: 704
Location: Pawcatuck, CT.
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| Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2021 12:19 am Post subject: Re: Drop Spindles with "68" Tie Rod Ends ?? |
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| ashman40 wrote: |
| Bug53 wrote: |
I am running 165HR15 tires. I am wondering if they will clear?
What did you use for tires? |
165s on stock Beetle steel wheels will rub with 2.5" dropped spindles. It might be okay if you run the stock style aftermarket wheels that have the extra offset. Take a look at these 4x130mm x4.5" wide wheel with a 4.5" back spacing. You can see how much more the mounting surface sticks out in the pics.
https://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D6622%2DMB
One thing you can do that can help is to maximize your camber to push the top of the tires are far in as possible to give maximum fender clearance. Expect your tires will wear on the inside and you will have compromised traction. The aftermarket camber adjusters that have the extra offset provide even more inward movement.
The easiest solution to clear the fender is to run 145/80R-15 tires on the front wheels. These fit nicely on the 4" or 4.5" stock wheels.
The next option is to replace the front torsion beam with a narrowed beam. The 2" narrowed and adjustable beams bring the wheels in by about the same amount the dropped spindles push them out. But this is not a cheap solution. |
Thanks.
I think I'm going the "old school" method of a bag of sand and a full tank of gas  . I am definately not changing tires now as the 165's have about 100 miles on them. |
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