LOWERING FRONT SUSPENSION

[Matt]

HOWZIT GUYS

Just a quick one,how do i lower the front suspension.I have a workshop manual for a beetle,it gives instructions
and pictures,but after spending the good halve of saturday trying.....i failed.

Is it possible without having to buy a lowering kit or adjustable shocks????
I know how to do the back....wish the front was that easy.

Shot guys....help will be appreciated

[HOTT ROD]

hi there...
from past experience the best way to lower a bug is the right way...
no short-cuts.
this will be easier on the steering,brakes,the bulk head an most imprtantly... your kidneys
cut an reweld.. results in very hard ride. and dosent give u a choice thereafter.
removing blades from the beam is suicide.
fit adjustors both upper an lower beams with the right shocks and off u go.
my bug was dropped 200mm lower from std height..
and the beam was shortend 70mm in total.
car runs perfect.
even the back.. it aint as easy as the book says it to be.

can help you though..
call me on 031 7065255 between 9ine an 6ix
or 0836533865
rodger

[hitlers revenge]

Hi Rodger. What shocks are you using? I believe the way to go is modified old mini shocks but I am still running standard at present
Thanks
Dave

[vader]

If you cut and weld the suspension tubes you can fit an adjustable nut so that you can drop or raise your suspension quickly.

[Matt]

Howzit guys. I'm buying selector drops for the front suspension this weekend, where can i get shortened shocks from... in and around durban?
Would any shock supplying shop have stock of these?

[calooker]

Shorter shox for a beetle are not available over the counter, on import only, the early Mini ones come close but the bushes need to be modified as the dia. is not the same.

[MINCE]

what about dropped spindles?

[Chris]

I agree.Dropped spindles are the way to go.There is no need for for shorter shocks,and you don't compromise on comfort.

[vader]

The easiest way is to remove the suspension, here comes the difficult part if you are on your own, hold it about 1.5m above the ground and let go..... Hay presto youve just dropped you front suspension

[Matt]

I'm getting the selector drops for R400 per set, how much are the drop spindles?

[calooker]

About R2250, may sound like a lot but if you are going to pay someone to cut lower your beam etc you are going to be damn close, but the added bonus of dropped spindles: no bump stear, no lowered shocks needed, no f-up tie rod ends, soft ride as per stock, etc. etc. there are much more pros to doing it with dropped spindles than any of the other ways.

[IMPI]

I have also used ford cortina front shox in the past
A

[MINCE]

dropped spindles give you just over 2 inches of drop. that makes a difference

[vader]

BUT as far as i can remember from readings on the subject, a lower front will change the handleing on the bug. For a perfect handling setup the front should be 2" higher than the rear.... Maybe Impi or one of the lads could give some input untill I find the article????

[MINCE]

you are probably right but it looks wrong.
DROP THE NOSE! WHO CARES WHEN IT LOOKS GOOD?!