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flemcadiddlehopper Samba Member
Joined: December 05, 2011 Posts: 2332 Location: Kelowna, BC. Canada.
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Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 11:58 pm Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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cdennisg wrote: |
flemcadiddlehopper wrote: |
I took a fairly close look at the hinge and it seems that if i shortened the flat 3/16" steel stop plate it would allow it up a bit. Also if I notched the hinge bracket that attaches to the hatch where it meets the stop, it would give it even more lift.
Thoughts?
Gordo. |
That torsion spring setup is a pretty ingenious and complicated thing. Are you sure that allowing the hinges more movement would not allow some part of the mechanism to come loose? |
No, I'm not sure. But, even 1/8" change at the hinge stop, would equate to more than 1" at the end of the hatch. If I could get 1/4" at the hinge and over 2" at end of the hatch, I'd be happy, and not hitting my head as much........
'til I lower the bus more.
Gordo. _________________ Everybody Dies....Some Never Live.
Retrograde Garage. Vintage Aircooled, and others. |
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cdennisg Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004 Posts: 20233 Location: Sandpoint, ID
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Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 9:17 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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flemcadiddlehopper wrote: |
cdennisg wrote: |
flemcadiddlehopper wrote: |
I took a fairly close look at the hinge and it seems that if i shortened the flat 3/16" steel stop plate it would allow it up a bit. Also if I notched the hinge bracket that attaches to the hatch where it meets the stop, it would give it even more lift.
Thoughts?
Gordo. |
That torsion spring setup is a pretty ingenious and complicated thing. Are you sure that allowing the hinges more movement would not allow some part of the mechanism to come loose? |
No, I'm not sure. But, even 1/8" change at the hinge stop, would equate to more than 1" at the end of the hatch. If I could get 1/4" at the hinge and over 2" at end of the hatch, I'd be happy, and not hitting my head as much........
'til I lower the bus more.
Gordo. |
Please keep us posted on what you try, and the results. I happen to be short so it won't really affect me, but I am always curious about stuff like this. _________________ nothing |
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WideFive SBS Hit Squad
Joined: August 20, 2002 Posts: 1147 Location: Litchfield, Ohio
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Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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cdennisg wrote: |
flemcadiddlehopper wrote: |
cdennisg wrote: |
flemcadiddlehopper wrote: |
I took a fairly close look at the hinge and it seems that if i shortened the flat 3/16" steel stop plate it would allow it up a bit. Also if I notched the hinge bracket that attaches to the hatch where it meets the stop, it would give it even more lift.
Thoughts?
Gordo. |
That torsion spring setup is a pretty ingenious and complicated thing. Are you sure that allowing the hinges more movement would not allow some part of the mechanism to come loose? |
No, I'm not sure. But, even 1/8" change at the hinge stop, would equate to more than 1" at the end of the hatch. If I could get 1/4" at the hinge and over 2" at end of the hatch, I'd be happy, and not hitting my head as much........
'til I lower the bus more.
Gordo. |
Please keep us posted on what you try, and the results. I happen to be short so it won't really affect me, but I am always curious about stuff like this. |
Take a closer look at the mechanism.
If you just change the stop, it will "cam lock" and you'll have a fun time getting it closed by yourself without a helper and a prybar. _________________ Aaron D. Badertscher
Click here for ALL my links. |
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GLHTurbo Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2009 Posts: 1376 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 10:43 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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How many guys are running KG5409 rear shocks? I'm not going to be super slammed, so don't think the Vette shocks are the best choice for me. _________________ 1957 Beetle
1966 Bus |
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Split 66' Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010 Posts: 1248 Location: Bay Area, California
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Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2016 5:02 pm Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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The KG5409 are perfect for me, I've had them for over 4 years now. If I need to replace them, that's what's going back on there. They have the right dampen and rebound, for sporty handling. Good stroke length too, they don't rub the spring plates.
I installed my Bus Boy's rear swing axle kit in 1989, they recommended the KG5409 for their kit, when I talked to them in 2011. I'm not sure how other kits would work with these (disclaimer).
I'm lowered, not slammed.
_________________ "OG = Original German" -- TheSamba.com dictionary |
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grailoc Samba Member
Joined: March 25, 2004 Posts: 1433 Location: FRANCE and now QUEBEC city
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Dubskii Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010 Posts: 385 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Sun May 08, 2016 10:18 pm Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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I have a new freeway flyer (3.88 R&P) small nut RGB transaxle. I am planning to lower it thereby eliminating the RGBs. Once lowered and RGBs no longer does the term "small nut" go away? Or said another way...do the terms "Small nut or Big nut" only apply when the RBGs are still in play? _________________ 69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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pondoras box Samba Member
Joined: March 22, 2004 Posts: 1207 Location: Eerie PA
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Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 5:34 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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The terms small and big nut only apply to the bus with RGB. I am not sure of the change over year on the bus trans from small to big.
When you convert over to a SAK you will be getting a type 1 or bug set up and they only come in a 36 MM axle nut. There might be something other than 36 MM for the type 1 but I have never seen or heard of it, I am sure the people in the know will either verify or correct me, but the 68 trans you need will only come 36 MM. _________________ Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.
1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda)
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk |
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Dubskii Samba Member
Joined: March 03, 2010 Posts: 385 Location: So Cal
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Posted: Mon May 09, 2016 6:22 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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Thank you for clearing that up. I wasn't sure whether or not there was some other gearing I should be aware of when I drop my bus. _________________ 69 Sunroof Deluxe - Montana Red/Cloud White (Sold)
57 Kombi - Dove Blue http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=648240
WTB Early Dove Blue Bus Driver's Side Door
WTB Joe Heishman VW Arlington, VA License Plate Frame or Other Memorabilia |
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Split 66' Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2010 Posts: 1248 Location: Bay Area, California
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Posted: Tue May 10, 2016 7:07 pm Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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Dubskii wrote: |
Thank you for clearing that up. I wasn't sure whether or not there was some other gearing I should be aware of when I drop my bus. |
Do you already have the modified spring plates and axle tubes, or a SA kit?
If your 3.88 trans is setup for RGB's, you're going to need to move your ring gear, to the other side of the case, aka flipping the ring. Otherwise you'll have 4 reverse gears and one forward. _________________ "OG = Original German" -- TheSamba.com dictionary |
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GLHTurbo Samba Member
Joined: March 30, 2009 Posts: 1376 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 6:45 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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I'm assembling a new narrowed beam I purchased 2nd hand. Do I need to grease up the entire spring packs, they are degreased and neatly taped together. I assume I need to smother the adjuster "blocks" that the springs go into as well? What grease should be used? The beam has red urethane bushings.
Thanks! _________________ 1957 Beetle
1966 Bus |
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mastorna Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2008 Posts: 177 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Sun May 15, 2016 11:37 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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I needed to replace my rear shocks cause I noticed that my old shocks have failed. I have a swing axle set up but the rear mounts are bizarre to me. Have a look.
The angle of the lower rear shock mount of the transaxle is damn near at a 45 degree angle.
Come to find that the PO had the shocks bolted on previously by a grade 8 bolt that had been heat bent to support the lower shock mount:
I need some advice, I have some new KYB shocks and ready to put them on. Shaved off the top to fit the OG shock mount at the top but not sure how to properly fit these to the lower shock mount. Fabbing a bolt to mimic what the PO did seems do-able with some heat and some bending jig but that doesn't feel the most sane to me. Any advice? _________________ 1959 Type II Mango SO-23
1962 Type II Kombi Light Gray
1963 Type II Standard Sunroof SWR\BG
1963 Type II Deluxe MG\PW |
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mastorna Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2008 Posts: 177 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 7:50 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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Well, I was able to fab a bolt to match the former PO's solution.
If anyone has a better idea for a proper solution or if ya'll think this works just fine, let me know. _________________ 1959 Type II Mango SO-23
1962 Type II Kombi Light Gray
1963 Type II Standard Sunroof SWR\BG
1963 Type II Deluxe MG\PW |
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easy e Samba Member
Joined: May 28, 2008 Posts: 3930 Location: 1 hr north of Santa Barbara
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 10:03 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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I think some people cut off and relocate the upper mount, in an effort to attain better geometry/alignment of the shock with respect to its mounting points. _________________ aka: Evan
Spreadsheet for Bus RPM, based on gearing & tire size (Excel format)
Searchable, click-navigable 1958 Bus Parts List |
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cdennisg Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004 Posts: 20233 Location: Sandpoint, ID
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Posted: Mon May 16, 2016 11:02 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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mastorna wrote: |
Well, I was able to fab a bolt to match the former PO's solution.
If anyone has a better idea for a proper solution or if ya'll think this works just fine, let me know. |
That axle tube is clocked 45 degrees out of alignment. Your end casting should have the bolt holes at the four corners, not top/bottom/left/right.
I am having trouble wrapping my head around how that happened. I am guessing that the axle tubes were installed on the wrong sides.
Here is a beetle rear suspension setup. Yours should look nearly identical to this when properly assembled.
_________________ nothing |
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mastorna Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2008 Posts: 177 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Sun May 22, 2016 9:05 pm Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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So its been about a week now with the new KYB shocks on the rear and the bus is sitting about 2 inches taller in the rear now than the front.
On the front, I have springcoiled shocks ala
or http://www.socalautoparts.com/product_info.php/aft...me-p-15435
Does anyone know if I have a way to get two extra inches of ride height on the front to get the bus sitting level again? I've never adjusted these types of shocks before but hoping I can find two inches by adjusting the shocks a bit higher. _________________ 1959 Type II Mango SO-23
1962 Type II Kombi Light Gray
1963 Type II Standard Sunroof SWR\BG
1963 Type II Deluxe MG\PW |
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mandraks Samba Member
Joined: November 28, 2004 Posts: 7045 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 7:59 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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do you have lowered spindles? _________________ regards
Uli
----------------------------------------
'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel |
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cdennisg Samba Member
Joined: November 02, 2004 Posts: 20233 Location: Sandpoint, ID
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Posted: Mon May 23, 2016 8:43 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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mastorna wrote: |
So its been about a week now with the new KYB shocks on the rear and the bus is sitting about 2 inches taller in the rear now than the front.
On the front, I have springcoiled shocks ala
or http://www.socalautoparts.com/product_info.php/aft...me-p-15435
Does anyone know if I have a way to get two extra inches of ride height on the front to get the bus sitting level again? I've never adjusted these types of shocks before but hoping I can find two inches by adjusting the shocks a bit higher. |
In that photo, just behind the upper trailing arm you can see an area around the shock body that looks like little ramps growing taller and taller. That is your height adjustment system. Unfortunately, you will not be able to gain 2". Also, that would not be a safe way to accomplish the task anyway.
You have a custom beam installed judging by the aftermarket side plates. Does the beam have adjusters welded into the center? You may be able to asjust them all the way up to gain more ride height. _________________ nothing |
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64 ragtop volks Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2012 Posts: 540 Location: EARTH
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Posted: Tue May 24, 2016 3:50 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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i run ww springplates on my lowered bus and the bilstein shocks, they work awesome. the nice thing about them is the lower shock mount is on the springplate, so when pulling axel to remove the rim the shock stays bolted up. |
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brese73 Samba Member
Joined: March 06, 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Delaware
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Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2016 7:17 am Post subject: Re: How to lower a Bus and all lowering questions |
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67 lowered with flipped spindles, 68 bug trans & modified spring plates. Im having an issue with tire wear. Bus rolls down the road straight as an arrow, but there seems to be a positive camber issue. Outter edges of my front tires are wearing. I installed the proper amount of spindle shims correctly. Anyone experience the same? Solution? |
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