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Scott I suspect that this is for the purpose of replacement and that after the ten yr period has expired which requires that all parts be made available they substitute with interchangable items.
We have found from our references and from our practicle experiences that two different part #s exist for one application. Are they the same item? It seems there is still some gray in that area but I would put my money on them being interchangable but not identical. This is pretty much where we began. Some saying either will fit but that they differ.
Sounds as if anyone that should come by a set of NOS 181 leaves had better check the price of gold for the day to determine an asking price for them to a true restorer.
When I widened my beam I placed the original leaves to the upper tube and the second set to the bottom just to be sure it would be evenly distributed in case the spring rates were different. Cheers. Bob Ingman

Scott, I agree that many parts on a Thing come from other vehicle like the emergency flasher switch that is common to the Thing and T-2 bus. I got the part number of the front leaves from the original VW exploded parts breakdown. K-mann

1 BOUGHT A 73 THING, BARN FRESH, AND THE KEY, IS A ROUND BLACK HEADED KEY THAY WORKS IN ONLY ON DIRECTION, I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST WORN OUT AND BOUGHT "GENUINE" NOS THING KEY BLANKS OFF EBAY, THEY ARE ALL METAL AND SHAPED LIKE A "p" THANKS FOR THE INFO, ILL KEEP THE BLACK KEY.
QUESTION, WHO SELLS CLEARANCED THING BALL JOINTS TO OBTAIN MAXIMUN LIFT ON A CUT AND TURNED FRONT END?
MY FRONT SPRINGS FEEL SOFT AND I WAS THINKING OF GOING WITH
SWAY-A-WAY HD SPRINGS, 31" TIRES RUB ON HARD BRAKING. THANKS
FOR THE INFO.

Here is some sage advise on a cut and turned front end. USE ADJUSTERS..

That way you can set the front end correctly and not be stuck with whatever amount you choose to turn the beam. I turned my 3/16" and it way very difficult to get the spindles back on. The swayaway torsion springs are great. Also consider putting on hook and post limiters while you are cut and turning the front end. ALso use urethane bushings coasted with plenty of teflon lube when you put your front end back together.

I got my Ball joints from ISP West . Thye offer them on ebay now and again for much less than they sell them for over the counter.

K-mann

Here is some sage advise on a cut and turned front end. USE ADJUSTERS..

That way you can set the front end correctly and not be stuck with whatever amount you choose to turn the beam. I turned my 3/16" and it way very difficult to get the spindles back on. The swayaway torsion springs are great. Also consider putting on hook and post limiters while you are cut and turning the front end. ALso use urethane bushings coasted with plenty of teflon lube when you put your front end back together.

I got my Ball joints from ISP West . Thye offer them on ebay now and again for much less than they sell them for over the counter.

K-mann

When I widened the beam I installed adjusters but still set a little preload into it but not enough to cause any difficulty in reassembly. It was easily done with a 5 ft pry bar. Cheers. Bob Ingman