Steering and suspension

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Hey there

I need help with a 66-67 bug, 2 things, my steering seems to have a lot of play about a 2" turn of the wheel before a reaction, why is this, has somthing worn or does something need tightning?
The 2nd is I don't like the way the bug sits, the front end is to high, I want to keep it stock and do not realy want to add a lowered beam, Is there another way of lowering the front a couple of inches.
Did they always look like this, I was thinking maybe the back end has droped and thats why it looks odd but what do I know.

Thanks for any help you may be able to give.

[vwpackrat]

You can check the play in you steering by removing your spare tire and removing the cover plate on the fire wall to access your steering box. There will be a lock nut with a screw in the middle with a slot in it. You want to loosen that lock nut and then tighten that screw in until it just seats and stops and then back off 1/2 turn and retighten the lock nut while holding the screw. Be sure to drive the car afterwards to check on any drag spots in your steering if so you will need to loosen. As far as your front end if you really want to lower it in the front some you need to go to an adjustable beam. You can pull a couple of torsion bars also but I don't recommend it.

[keifernet]

Good place to start for sure, the steering box adjustment.... I will add to that part by saying if the adjustment screw is already near flush with the nut (screwed in a alot) the box is worn out.... new/rebuilt boxes the adjusting screw sticks up about 1/4-3/8 of an inch and any old box thaqt the screw does not stick up at least an 1/8th is short for this world. I have also seen the 4 bolts that hold the top of the steering box come loose so make sure that has not happend before any adjustment...
Next, have someone turn the wheel back and forth and look at your tie-rod ends, ANY significant movement in them before the tires begin to turn constitutes a worn one..... You may need to jack it up to do this and see the inner two on the steering box arm... one has the whole in it where the steering dampner connects....
Then look at the Ball jionts while you r down there... torn boots on them means there gone or on their way as well....
Yes the rear torsion has probably sagged some by now (droopy rear end look) Good set of KYB shocks will help until someone can properly re-set the rear torsion bars to obtain correct ride height.
For only a mild drop 2-2-1/2" dropped spindles are the way to go... They retain the stock front end geometry and shock travel (height) for the same stock ride(feeling, less bumps...)...
Easier to install than a whole lowered beam too.... Rest assured your not alone... most older bugs need the front end rebuilt, be sure to get the best parts you can and stay away from "3 or 5 STAR " crappy asian parts or "O-Cap" (ocrap! I call them) brand stuff..... unless you want to do it again in a year or so....