Lowering a splitty

karmannghia60 Karmann Ghia Sucker

1,459 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Apr 2004, 9:30 am

#158407

OK, I know nothing about splitties, this is my first one. I was told welding in adjusters are not a recommended thing on a splitty because of the weight so you wouldn't want to cut and reweld the beam. Is this correct? If so then my only option is drop spindles, right?
What about the back, reset the torsion bars just as a Beetle?
Thanks
Raf

matara Custom Title Time!

1,342 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Apr 2004, 9:52 am

#158418

Raf,

You can put the Avis type adjusters in the beam to lower it, and Indian or CBB sell them. Seeing as your around the corner from Rob King I'd be getting some dropped spindles off him if I could.

As for the rear, like a beetle, the more you lower, the more negative caber you will have. You also run into problems with the axle tubes leaning into the gearbox the lower you go, which means that your reductions no longer get any oil supply from the gearbox, leading to all sorts of dry bearing/lost hardening probs including more noise.

I guess this is why a lot of people go IRS or straight axle (remove the reductions) conversions.

Leave her high and proud and stock and keep the $$$ in your pocket is my take on it.

If your looking for better cruising, you can always change the final drive/put a 1500 g/b in there.

Cheers

Steve

vwombat Hey Ho - Lets GO!

1,218 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 8 Apr 2004, 11:56 am

#158457

Lower a Bay man! A split is like, sacrilege.

Keep that investment safe, you never know when you may need to turn it into cash for the next dream project.

Sorry, just gettin' opinionated.

65busser Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,795 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 8 Apr 2004, 1:50 pm

#158516

Hey Raf,
Welcome to Splitty world. Allow about three grand. It'll keep up with traffic, handle pretty well and be a bit quieter without the reduction boxes. Thing is, it won't drive like a splitty any more. In right condition, a split bus is smooth as silk and capable of going anywhere, in it's own time. To some, that's the charm of the split bus. Once you start to mess with what the manufacturer got right first time, you're on your own and probably devaluing it the more you mess with it. They look good low, but often sacrifice ride. Gotta work out whether you're gonna drive it or look at it.
Cheers
Brad

www.busnbug.com

Daniel Seriously Crusin Dubber

191 posts · joined Oct 2003 · 8 Apr 2004, 2:16 pm

#158528

Dropped spindle might be the way to go for you if you don't want add adjusters. I've been running with the back turned one spline for about 3 years with no problems, but as matara said, I can definitly see it being a problem if you go any lower with RGB's.
If you're worried about value going down, as others have said, just make sure what you do can be easily put back to stock.
I've had my Indian IRS kit in for about a week and can't rave enough about it, smooth, quiet, and better cruising speed. And it's all bolt in so if someone wants to put it back to original it can be done without hassle. I'm going to be using a lowered bay beam on the front (for better braking) and keeping the original beam in storage if I want to go back to stock.

65busser Moderator Custom Title Time!

1,795 posts · joined Nov 2002 · 8 Apr 2004, 2:37 pm

#158537

Hey Daniel,
If you don't mind my asking, what has it cost all up? (lowering it)

www.busnbug.com

karmannghia60 Karmann Ghia Sucker

1,459 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 8 Apr 2004, 11:39 pm

#158762

I certainly need to lower the rear as the PO jacked it up so high to fit massive 15x10" wheel with off-road tyres. I do have the original tyres/wheels which I will put on. Will take your advice and leave it standard height then with skinny wheel and white walls

robnjo Veteran Volks Folk

2,082 posts · joined Sep 2003 · 9 Apr 2004, 7:48 am

#158844

this is great info for everybody (pros & cons) thanks guys.:beer

vwombat Hey Ho - Lets GO!

1,218 posts · joined Jan 2004 · 9 Apr 2004, 8:49 am

#158852

3 cheers for karmannghia60!!!

fish Wolfsburg Wizard

584 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 9 Apr 2004, 9:37 am

#158860

vwombat wrote:3 cheers for karmannghia60!!!

hey Raf, this splitty has a lowered front beam installed and also IRS to the rear. ready to restore, most of the work done already and only $5000 take home. the beam is from Indian Automotive in sydney and also the rear IRS system. Lowers by at least 3 inches.