Torsion springs?

Chris181Westy · Post by **Chris181Westy** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 4:51 pm

I am going to cut and twist my axle beam and install new ball joints on my 181. Since I am going to have my beam apart I am wondering if I should replace the torsion springs, but I was looking at the 181 facts and figures site and noticed that it showed the torsion springs having a 181 part number. Does this mean that they are in some way differant than the springs installed in bugs and Ghias? If so I would assume that they would be stiffer or have more leaves or something. I have not had it apart yet so I have not been able to compare them to bug ones.
Does anyone know anything about this? If they are differant I am reluctant to replace them with new ones with a type1 part number. Or is it always best to use new torsion springs?

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Thu Feb 06, 2003 7:13 pm

Hi Chris. To the best of my knowlege the 181 leafs are dimensionally interchangable with the bug .The difference being in spring rate or tension force. No need to change them. You can do a turn or install adjusters. The difference is self explanatory. Good to have you with us. Bob Ingman

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Fri Feb 28, 2003 1:03 pm

If I'm changing my center beam,is advisable
to install the torsion springs for the Thing
vs using the beetle springs that are already
in the beam??

Post by **Marc** » Fri Feb 28, 2003 1:18 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by waynek:
...install the torsion springs for the Thing vs using the beetle springs..? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd only use the Beetle springs if you're going down, and/or want a softer ride.

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Fri Feb 28, 2003 2:01 pm

Thanks Mark

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 6:07 pm

Bob,
Can you explain to me what you mean by a
turn? Will the Thing sit lower if I use the
beetle torsion springs and the Thing
control arm?

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sat Mar 01, 2003 8:41 pm

Wayne turn means to cut and rotate the torsion housing which increases preload on the torsion plates(springs) thus increasing tension resulting in a higher ride height. To rotate in the opposite direction (down) will decrease tension resulting in a lowered ride height.
The book Bajas and Buggies by Jeff Hibbard gives a very good description of this as well as many other informative how to`s. Good luck. Bob Ingman

[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 03-01-2003).]

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 4:29 am

Sorry Bob,
I misunderstood,I thought you were referring to front springs in center beam.
My VW gug who is working on my balljoints
doen't think I need to take springs from
Thing beam and put them in the beetle
beam I'm installing.Transferring spindles
and all, so I want to make car level again.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 12:57 pm

I tend to agree. I think as long as you have the 181 spindles you will have the correct ride height. The spring rate may be a little softer but ride height should be uneffected. Good luck. Bob Ingman

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 1:21 pm

Hi Bob,
You are saying that it's ok to keep the
beetle springs as long as I use the Thing
control arms etc??

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 4:47 pm

Wayne, everything interchanges. The spindles will be the determining factor in controling ride height.
What I`m saying is that the bug spring plates will interchange and produce a softer ride but in the end it will be thew spindles that govern ride height most. Good luck. Bob Ingman

waynek · Post by **waynek** » Sun Mar 02, 2003 6:04 pm

Thanks Bob,
Just wanted to make sure I understood.We are swapping spindles,etc this week.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Wed Mar 26, 2003 6:00 pm

The front torsion leaf springs for the Bug, Ghia and Thing have the same number of leafs and are exactly the same size. The difference is that the Thing leaf springs have a higher spring rate giving a more resistant or stiffer ride. If you are looking at an offroad application the Thing springs are preferable. K-mann