181 stub axles with 944 axles and cv's

[bugboy696]

which early 944 cv's and axles work with the 181 stub axles

[Bob Ingman]

Bugboy the 944 CVs will interchange with Thing Cvs. As far as axles go I`ve asked for help because I can`t remember which YEARS are interchangable only that the two are the same length but my research shows 85-89. We should know something later today on that. Meanwhile look at the first two posts on page two here at 181 Forum for additional information. Good luck. Bob Ingman


[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 01-21-2003).]

[Pillow]

Here is what I have found out in my experimenting with 944 parts.

You will need the early 944 axles to fit into a Beetle/Thing (I am assuming they are the same length for the Thing as the Beetle), that is 1983-1985.5. The IRS VW used essentially the same control arms and rear suspension layout.

The CVs are T2 units and interchange, granted I am not familiar with what the max working angle is (like the T4 used a better angle than a normal T2 CV). Same with the stub axle. The tranny output flanges on the 944 cannot be swapped over though, no dice there. All 944 torsion bars are interchangable which is nice, normally a 23.5mm bar (M030 option with a 25.5mm).

Note 1: If you chose to use the later aluminum control arms the axles are longer and you need to get the matching ones. Also the swing plates are different and you need to get the matching plates as the VW bolt pattern is different.

Note 2: The 944 control arm is very similar to the VW IRS unit, but it is reinforced and weighs a few pounds more, so even though they swap it is a little beefier. (per Chiggers research)

Hope this helps a bit.





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Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia
'79 Porsche 911 SC - FS
VolkSport Kafer Gruppe

[Pillow]

Be careful on the 915 tranny, it could be too wide to fit correctly. I have not speced it out, but it is wider than a 901 (which I know works) and VW trannies.

FWIW the early 901 (not sure on the 914 901) tranny uses T1 CVs.

SAW makes all sorts of cool off roader stuff if you want to step up to get 930 CVs.



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Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia
'79 Porsche 911 SC - FS
VolkSport Kafer Gruppe

[bugboy696]

I like the 930 cv joints but it is alot of extra coin, more clearancing. But STRONG.
The T2 cv's should be good for up to 300hp on flat ground

[bugboy696]

The splines in the T2 cv joints are the same as the T1's i thought, those saw axles are easy to get ahold of.

Gotta get the race ones thou

[bugboy696]

Thanks guys! going with the 944 arms, stub axles, cvs and axle and bolting it to a 915 transmission, its going in a street bug so the angles don't matter as long as the cv's are godd for 300hp

[Kubelmann]

I have a 73 Thing that is going through a major redo. I have a 84 944 rear assembly going in that includes diagonal arms and complete rear disc brake system. I have talked with a few guys that have already done this conversion and it is close to a bolt up. I am going to weld the Thing shock snubber mounts where the 944 mount are as the Thing snubbers are nice and big. Will report back as this conversion procedes.
K-mann

[Bob Ingman]

K-mann better get out the digital too. Good luck. Bob Ingman

[bugboy696]

You can take the output shaft of a thing tranny and they fit the irs bug tranny right?

I have a semi built transmission in my bug,(diff, side cover, and all the little odds and ends, and highways gears) and a pull thru system that i built with a suzuki forsa turbo and a drla 36mm dellorto. Pretty pepy setup. gonna be my back up
but i want to have the T2 cvs flanges on the tranny so i don't have to change the hubs when i swap them around

2276cc turbo TO4e with haltech efi is the engine in the works!! hehe gonna hall *** .

[Bob Ingman]

Bugboy, yes you are correct. The drive flanges from the Thing will go onto the bug trans and then the 181/T-4/T-2/924/944 CVs will fit. Good luck. Bob Ingman

[bugboy696]

Thanks for clearing things up! you guys have been alot of help!

This is by far the best forum around