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Stockholm VW
Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2020
Posts: 304
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 Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2021 5:52 pm Post subject: Front end drop. How much without cutting? |
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What’s the most I can drop the front end, avoiding rubbing, without narrowing the beam? 1”? 1 1/2”?
Just new drop spindles, or what’s needed?
I’m keeping the stock 15” wheels.
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1966 Volkswagen Sedan 1300 (now 1641), 6 volt, L456 Ruby Red, Platinum leatherette. |
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rcooled
Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2008
Posts: 2507
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
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| Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2021 8:07 pm Post subject: Re: Front end drop. How much without cutting? |
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I used an adjustable, stock-width beam to lower the front end of my `63 about one inch. I run stock wheels with 165/80-15 tires, and have no rubbing, even at full lock.
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TinCanFab
Samba Member
Joined: April 04, 2006
Posts: 2743
Location: Waterford, California
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| Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 10:29 am Post subject: Re: Front end drop. How much without cutting? |
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| Stockholm VW wrote: |
What’s the most I can drop the front end, avoiding rubbing, without narrowing the beam? 1”? 1 1/2”?
Just new drop spindles, or what’s needed?
I’m keeping the stock 15” wheels. |
With stock wheels and small tires, you could easily lower it without any body mods until the front apron starts hitting road obstructions. Disc brakes, aftermarket rims and wide tires is where things start rubbing.
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MANNAXMAN
Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2009
Posts: 485
Location: Cali
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| Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 1:34 pm Post subject: Re: Front end drop. How much without cutting? |
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This is the 64 I owned years ago. Stock width adjustable beam dropped all the way down with 135s. I had no rubbing issues.
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petrol punk
Samba Member
Joined: August 21, 2007
Posts: 977
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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| Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 2:49 pm Post subject: Re: Front end drop. How much without cutting? |
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It depends entirely on your tires. With 165/80r15 you can barely lower it at all without rubbing. They can even rub at stock height at full lock without adjusting the steering stops. On my '70 with a stock width beam, stock 4.5" wheels, and 175/55r15 tires it doesn't rub at all even if you drop it down to pan scraper height.
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Glenn 
Mr. 010
Joined: December 25, 2001
Posts: 76939
Location: Sneaking up behind you
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| Posted: Thu Jan 21, 2021 2:57 pm Post subject: Re: Front end drop. How much without cutting? |
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Most drop spindles push the wheels out 1.5" so yo have to go with small narrow wheels.
If you go with an adjustable beam you can get much wider tires.
Try stopping quickly or taking a tight turn fast with 145s... it's gonna be scary.
I have a 3" drop with 195/55-15s on 5.5x15 alloys.
Compared to a stock original car.
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74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
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