Rear drum different in depth

[cncthing]

I bought a replacement rear drum for my 1971 Thing and the new one seem to be not a deep as the original one. See picture. Does anyone know where to buy a spacer?

[mondshine]

cnc-

Is yours a swing axle / reduction gearbox car?
From your photos, it looks like you have an IRS drum on a swing axle / RGB spline.

While it is possible to fabricate a spacer, I think the best approach would be to try to find the correct drum.

[cncthing]

I'm sorry what is an IRS drum and it look like my Thing has a swing axle , I'm new to the Thing and everything about VW 181 and I just inherited the car, this is a military type year model 1971 and I'm just watching Youtube and online resource to help me fix it.

[mondshine]

CNC-

All Things officially sold in the USA have the "IRS" rear suspension; CV joints, etc.
Earlier versions and military models had swing axles and reduction gear boxes.


Your top original photo looks like an IRS drum.

While I have zero personal experience with swing axle Things, I believe the swing axle / RGB drums have the "pinwheel" structure, as seen in your original second photo.

Maybe somebody with swing axle Thing experience will chime in, including where to buy replacements.

Just one more suggestion... Quit using cinder blocks to support the car; that's asking for trouble

[74 Thing]

As indicated above, 2 different drums, 1 for swing axle and 1 for IRS.

https://www.csp-shop.com/shop/system/en/?func=searchdo&cache=1635264469&qsearch=thing%20drum

[cncthing]

I found a place online where they (hopefully) sell it. I returned to new drum to the local VW shop that I got it from and even they were stunned to learn about it and they work on these VW exclusively. Anyway, my model is a 1971 swing axle with reduction gearbox and the rear drum is unique. I hope the new drum will fit and my Thing will be back in action.

[low-viz]

cncthing, try www.thethingshop.com. They have original German rear drums for our old military Things.

[ente_kaefer]

The Thing Shop has the correct drums . . .

https://www.thethingshop.com/REAR-GERMAN-BRAKE-DRUM-FOR-REDUCTION-BOX-ONLY/productinfo/211501615/

Ouch, $ 250 each !

Note the part number, 211501615, it appears that this drum was also used on Typ 2's / Bus from 1964 to 1967.

[74 Thing]

So does CSP just search for Thing drum.

I am no sure how much it would be to ship and he timeframe though.

https://www.csp-shop.com/en/brand-shops/brake-drum-rear-501-615-211a-10426e.html?cache=1635476451

[cncthing]

[el_safari]

The drum is also for the bus till 1963, that's why it needs bus nuts.
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La terre n'est qu'un seul pays

[kentwildt]

Hi. Good afternoon everyone. Where can I find a axle stub for the gear reduction box? Ive been searching with no success. Thanks for your help!