I was wondering what would be the better choice to drop the front end of my beetle?

Lowered beam or dropped spindles? what is easier to do and how do the prices compare?

i think that dropped spindles is a better option. I am taking out my lowered beam as the ride was pretty rough. But all depends on how low you want to go.

How long before someone says:
"Mate you made a mistake. It should read: 'Lowered beam AND dropped spindles'"


Oops, I just did :thumb

Seriously though, dropped spindles have worked well for me. They have improved handling etc, whereas I hear that adjusters actually detract from the original geometry.

I'm sure someone with the know-how will be along shortly.

[Edited on 29/5/2005 by ruckus]

Here is a quote from one of my replies to this question which has been asked many times. If you do a search (button next to the FAQ icon under the AVD banner), it can yield some useful info too.

1) Dropped spindles - no modifications to your beam, downside is hurt experienced by your wallet. Maintains suspension geometry which results in a nicer ride. Not adjustable.

2) Removing some of the leaf springs (if thats what they are called) from the front beam then reinstalling the trailing arms. Downside is it is dangerous and suspension may bottom out earlier with poorer ride. Adjustable (sort of) but not recommended.

3) Putting weight in the front under bonnet - not recommended as handling will be adversely affected.

4) Cutting and turning the centre of your beam - downside is your beam is modified and if you don't get the position right you have to cut it again and turn it some more. Cheap if you can weld (but again not recommended if you're not proficient - don't want the centre of your beam falling out down the freeway do we).

5) Welding in centre adjusters - beam is modified again but now you can dial in the ride height. Not too exy to have done. Limitation is geometry is affected and handling is adversely affected too - need castor shims to restore some stability at speed.

Best solution - dropped spindles and adjusters....but most expensive of course.

what price are dropped spindles? I have seen lowered beams for $330

what price are dropped spindles? I have seen lowered beams for $330

dont forget that according to the letter of the law, any mods to the suspension need to be inspected and approved by a vic roads certified engineer.

that said, most people dont bother.

i am have put both spindles and adjusters in mine. and narrowed the beam. all yet to be engineered.

spindles cost $200-$300 2nd hand, up to $800 odd new.

adjusters are cheap, but if you re not handy with a welder, and dont want to pull the beam out yourself, with the labour they will end up costing you around $350 ish to buy and install, as the beam needs to come out.

while your at it, get all the rubbers and tie rods replaced

i would highly recommend CBB, they did my narrowed adjustable beam, and engineer has checked it and given me the ok

work and service from them has been great.

Lowered spindles from CB performance = 159 USA dollars.
Freight = ????

Another $100usd and then little johnie is gunna screw u some more when it gets here another 10-15%,hey but dont let me deter u :thumb

Hey felco you mechanic is right example CB dropped spindles ADD 1 inch if track per side. On my bro's ride it meant severe rubbing of the tyres.

Ian.

JUst put in a set of cb dropped spindles in but the car is still not low enough. i am thinking about putting in adjusters as well.

Or you could do what i have done...

Adjusters (& caster shims), narrowed 2" and drop spindles...With 205PCD Disc brakes! Most expensive, but also the best allround result!
My last bug had adjusters & shims only, handled well but I did have clearance issues with my 195/50's on 6" FUCH's...My car was very low though. And my disc brake conversion I made for that car widened the track a little.

Yeah I'm just sorting tyres and then on goes the beam with adjusters. The drop spindles are good... but it's never enough is it?!

i'm doing both drop spindles and adjusters and narrowed 2 inches
that way you have ability to adjust ride height perfectly.....go lower go higher the choice is yours
did i just say go higher sorry bout that.....lower lower

where abouts on the beaches are you ringo?nn[ Edited on 27-7-2005 by sean68 ]

what about air bags? what has to be done to let it scrape the ground?

Yep I'd say best option is a narrowed beam, lowered spindles and adjusters.

Technially though if some asks did you lower your suspension you can say no. As to lower a car you effectively are raising the suspension into the body of the car so the body sits lower on the suspension.

So to lower a vw you raise the suspension i.e body sits lower on the suspension and to raise a vw you lower the suspension, i.e. push it away from the body thus raising the car.

But for the sake of the argument we always say lower. Crazy stuff.

i think the original question was WHICH would u choose - one or the other

at the moment im thinking Empi dropped spindles. they claim that they dont increase the track like other brands. any thoughts

what other things will/should be replaced at this time? do u need to change the ball joints and shocks as well for just dropped spindles?

I'm going for a 3 inch narrowed beam, dropped spindles as well as adjusters. So lucky to have a dad that used to work for a previously mentioned v-dub shop

Hi

With adjusters you will need shorter shocks or ones with removable bumpstops that can be trimmed, Konis have this feature or you can have shock tower extensions fitted.

Steve

do all three things Narrow, fit adjusters and fit drop spindles.

Vintage has new beams available already done ring them for a price 02-9789-1777

Ok lets ASSUME for a moment ure a poor bastard like me and had to choose ONE option only

ure choice would be....?

dropped spindles for sure

Is there a step by step guide to do the 75mm chop with ajusters ?

seagull