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Lowering a Thing
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808donn
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 4:30 pm    Post subject: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 6:49 pm    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 11:53 pm    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=572915&highlight=ball+joint

Read this thread.
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Bashr52
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 5:36 am    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:15 am    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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.
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808donn
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:16 am    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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? Question
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AngelDeVille
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PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:40 am    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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.
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Bashr52
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 5:41 am    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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? Question


Correct. Bug/Ghia spindles on thing arms with ball joints pressed in the right direction with bug camber adjusters.

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citroen
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PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 4:03 pm    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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
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PostPosted: Wed Oct 25, 2017 1:00 pm    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

What are you guys doing in the rears when you super slam a thing?
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Bashr52
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PostPosted: Thu Oct 26, 2017 5:19 am    Post subject: Re: Lowering a Thing Reply with quote

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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