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IRS and Swing arm rear end ??????

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Dak-Dak-68 Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#802841
Hi to all,
Please educate me on the 2 types, as i have a 68 beetle import from Germany,

Kind regards Pete

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 ·

#802842
Well... IRS has two CV joints each side... one close into the gearbox, the other out at the wheel end, with a big arm that diagonal arm that runs from just by the nose of the trans out to the wheel. Technically it's known as Double Joint suspension, or I've also heard it as open drive shafts since you can see the drive shafts spinning as the wheels move.

Swing Axle is the older design, and only has 1 joint per side in close to the trans, and no diagonal arm... instead it's a tube around the axle that gives the rigidity/strength needed. The axles/drive shafts are effectively closed (you can't see them spin), and they basically "swing" from the trans as the suspension travels up and down.

Clear as mud ???

😉


Being a 68 German it could be either setup, tho if it's a semi-auto it'll definitely be IRS. If you're still unsure, post up a pic of where the drive shafts go into the trans and we'll definitely be able to ID what you have....

👍
VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#802844
And the swing-axle system is also IRS (independent rear suspension) - explain that.🙄 I'm enjoying this.😂

OK Phil, over to you.
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 ·

#802847
Heh, nah - sorry Greg - too late on a Friday arvo for me to bite on that old chestnut !!!

Don't you like how I used the term "Double Joint" tho ???

😂

Now... get back cracking on No. 8 will ya !!!

😉
VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 ·

#802849
🤪


Dak-Dak-68 Casual Dubber

26 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#802941
Thanks for the education in the KISS format.

Kind regards,👍

HappyDaze Superannuated

2,887 posts · joined Jun 2009 ·

#802948
That's one thing you will get here - an education!😁

Sorry Dave, I'm off to the shed right now.😊 The trans.(swing-axle - you know what that is, don't you?) is ready to go in. Should be ready for the 6th Oct.

Cheers, Greg
I'd rather wear a Beetle out by racing it than by polishing it!