HELP - 1500 swing axle into 59' bug

56 posts · joined Sep 2007 · 12 Jun 2008, 10:46 pm

#651733

Background - The have a 59 bug with a 1300cc and it's original gearbox. In preparation for a 1916cc I have bought a 1500 swing axle gearboxand some type 3 wide 5 drums.

Problem - I have never taken out an Engine or Gearbox from a VW and everyone keeps telling mie slightly different info (I do have a couple of VW manuals and the John Muir book so I have a fair idea of the order of things.)

It seems that the 1500 box is 110mm from the brake plate to the cast shock mount. The 1300 seems to be 80mm for the same measurement.

The measurement from the cast shock mount to the boot seems to be the same from one to the other.

Is this going to be a problem? Can I transfer one set of axles from the 1300 box to the 1500 box? Will I end up with increased track?

Is there anything to worry about with the length of axels in relation to the type 3 rear drums?

Now that that is out of the way, is there anything else to think about while changing the gearbox? From other threads I read while researching the gearbox mounts and the gearbox main shaft seal seem to be recommended.

Any advice that people on here could provide would be most appreciated... Anyone done this?

Cheers,

Slow...

59 bug w 1916cc

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 12 Jun 2008, 11:01 pm

#651736

you could leave the longer axles on, depending on your wheels offset and size etc.............but yes your track would be widened.

it is possible to change over to the shorter axles and axle tubes..........not a real big job, although slightly technical and a couple of speciality tools required

1SlowBeetle Commited Dubber

56 posts · joined Sep 2007 · 12 Jun 2008, 11:04 pm

#651738

Could you briefly explain the technical and tools bit? I'm not to bad with the tools 🙂

59 bug w 1916cc

hellbugged 48's and straight cuts

5,080 posts · joined Apr 2003 · 12 Jun 2008, 11:10 pm

#651739

getting the end play correct of the axle in the axle tube using the gasket stack under the axle flange

tools, just a decent puller really, rest should have around if your handy...........

i will look for a thread detailing that part

don't forget a change to a 12 volt starter.

if your lucky, "Dangerous" will join in and explain, add sumthing about extracting swing axles from box to bait him 😂.............he usually likes to have a look and type first thing in the mornings........or PM him as i think he has done a thread on this before

vw54 Administrator Always Waiting 4 Friday

16,723 posts · joined Aug 2002 · 13 Jun 2008, 6:58 am

#651752

So the origional gearbox is the split case type it has a row of bolts down the center line ??? check this first

depending on what front gearbox mount you have there are 2 types of mounts a wrap around the torsion bar type and the later type that will take the gearbox similar to 40hp models check the type of mount you have

If you have the wrap around front mount then you will have to get a later type welded into position and the location will have to be dummie up with a empty case to ensure alignment not a hard job but you need someone who knows what there doing

yes you will have a wider track but it can be changed

I read it on FACEBOOK so it must be true

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=91278&page=1#pid848630

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=63561&page=1#pid624099

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=4832&page=1#pid452603

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/viewtopic.php?tid=60650&page=1#pid574409

mactaylor Custom Title Time!

1,005 posts · joined Aug 2007 · 13 Jun 2008, 6:06 pm

#651836

if you want a better handling car leave the 1500 axles intact if youve got old school widend wheels you will most likely need to change back to 1200 axles you can gently remove the axle tubes with a sledgie just dont try to hard a puller is best but if you dont have access to one go very gently.

EVERLAST CONCRETE TANKS
1800 552 123

1SlowBeetle Commited Dubber

56 posts · joined Sep 2007 · 13 Jun 2008, 9:25 pm

#651867

mactaylor wrote:if you want a better handling car leave the 1500 axles intact if youve got old school widend wheels you will most likely need to change back to 1200 axles.

I'm always happy to have better handling. Why would an extra 60mm of track at the back make it all handle better. Another factor in the handling is the 50mm narrowed beam at the front.

Thanks for all the info from people so far. Tomorrow is d day for the new box so I hope it all goes together well. If not, my wife will be taxi for a while.

59 bug w 1916cc

1SlowBeetle Commited Dubber

56 posts · joined Sep 2007 · 25 Jul 2008, 2:17 pm

#659982

Well the box is in and all is running, 'till I pressed the clutch. So after talking to some people I have realised I have a new type 1600 clutch on the back of the engine and an old type thrust bearing and clutch fork.

So what do I do. Change the clutch or change the clutch fork and thrust bearing? All advice welcome.

59 bug w 1916cc