Suspension Lift

Scamutz · Post by **Scamutz** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 6:36 am

What has the collective VW Thing Braintrust decided is the best method of Lifting a Thing? I'm not thinking anything radical, 2-3 inches. TIA

------------------

Jeff S · Post by **Jeff S** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 7:34 am

Make sure you lift the rear no more than 28 degrees.
Also replace the torsion bars with sway away torsion
bars and use a heavy duti shock absober like gas
adjust KYB or Bilstens

Put on adjusters on the front beam. It will give you the 2-3 inches that you want. Mine is suspension lifted and I have 18 inches of clearance from the ground to the pan and run 235s all around.

justcallmebob · Post by **justcallmebob** » Wed Jan 08, 2003 10:31 am

I may have used the simplest way, but it worked for me. I used a set of EMPI coil-over shocks, set at full soft, in the front, and rotated the outside spline on the rear 2 notches. It's been that way for years without problems. I got the 2-3" lift that I needed for tire clearance. I am running P215-75-15 tires

This may not be the "best" way, but it is economical, you can do it yourself in one day, and you can return the car to bone-stock if you so desire in the future

[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 01-08-2003).]

Scamutz · Post by **Scamutz** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 5:43 am

Any decline in ride quality after doing this Bob? It's not my daily driver anyway..but I don't want to turn my thing into MORE of a rattletrap...Thanks

justcallmebob · Post by **justcallmebob** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 10:17 am

Ride Quality <> VW THING. I thought that those were mutually exclusive terms!!!
Actually it stiffened it up slightly, but the harsher ride of the tires were more noticed than the suspension. I would have to ride in a stock THING now to remember if it was that much different. I like the ride the way it is now, must be OK.

It's not like a Beetle, that's for sure!

[This message has been edited by justcallmebob (edited 01-09-2003).]

JB181 · Post by **JB181** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 5:43 pm

Looking at putting 2x2 trailing arms on my thing. I have seen pictures of one on The Samba not sure if they were 3x3 or 2x2. Anyone know how much lift would that give me? Also going with a 5in adjustable front beam. Things are coming together great.

Jesse

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 7:14 pm

Jesse, the 2x3 arm is the most popular. I think because it does quite a lot yet uses no special length axles. That saves good money. The bus axles are used. I`m going to go this route for a couple of reasons.
First with the new 2x3 arms I`ll have T-2 bearing races installed. That way I can use bus stubs,brakes and drums and remain wide 5 with/bigger brakes(68-70drums and stubs-already have). The cost will be mostly offset by the resale of 181 rear drums,181 stubs, 181 axles and 181 transaxle.The 5-rib T-2 will replace the AV unit. All this 181 stuff is in demand for quick Baja conversions.So I`ll be T-2 from trans to brakes.Good luck. Bob Ingman

[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 01-09-2003).]

JB181 · Post by **JB181** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 8:08 pm

I'am still looking for a T-2 trans now I'll look for the complete set up, just have to move quick when you hear about one. It's also hard to give up my parts but it will help fund the build up. Do you know a good source for the 2x3 arms? Thanks for the info Bob

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Jan 09, 2003 11:05 pm

Jesse , yes I do know of a good sourse for the 2x3 " trailing arms. Mark Johnson from the off-road forum makes them. I`ve seen his and they are excellent. He will make them up with for the bus stubs too. See his web site for details http://www.blindchickenracing.com Good luck. Bob Ingman

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sat Jan 11, 2003 6:33 pm

Jeff, I know I`ve asked you this before but I`m curious as to how you got 18" of ground clearance. Was that done after the photos were taken? Where did you measure from? Thanks. Bob Ingman