Cut and twisted (3/8" raised) front beam suspension sto

Chris181Westy · Post by **Chris181Westy** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 4:45 pm

Just cut and twisted my front beam to raise the front end. The trailing arms are pointing straight down without the spindles on. What is going to limit the suspension travel once the spindles are installed? I would guess that if the proper length shocks were fitted, ie: not the limiting factor in the travel that the ball joints would be the stops. I don't like the idea of the ball joints getting hammered this way so I will need to install suspension limiters of some type (straps - positive stops).

Has anyone out there performed this type of modification to their ball joint beam and added some type of suspension travel stop?

What length shock is needed for a 3/8" twisted ball joint beam and what brand is recomended?

If suspension straps are utilized, will upper tabs need to be welded in place to attach the straps to?

Appreciate any advice as the best experience is someone elses!

Mattt · Post by **Mattt** » Mon Oct 06, 2003 11:39 pm

The most common way is to install "clinkers." Also called hook and rod kit. It requires welding, mock up, fitting.

There is a "hook" that gets welded to each trailing arm. the "rod" gets installed on to the beam(shock tower to be exact). The rod prevents the hook from over-extending the arms/ball joints/shocks in either direction.

I could try to get pics off my car. Might be kinda hard due to space and light constraint. And, I dont know how to post pics here.

Trust, you dont want your suspension limiters to be the shock or the ball joint. One or both Will end up breaking.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Tue Oct 07, 2003 10:15 am

Jeff Hibbards book Bajas and Buggies gives a good account of this, complete with photos of both the hookers and home made limiting straps from seat belts. Good luck. Bob Ingman

Chris181Westy · Post by **Chris181Westy** » Tue Oct 07, 2003 5:23 pm

Thanks guys!! I ordered a Bugpack hook and rod kit today. And I think I have that book somewhere in my large stack of VW books and mags from the 70's that my Uncles gave to me.
Yes I don't want to spend good money on shocks and new balljoints just to break them and strand myself somewhere in the dunes.