I was wanting to know who can supply 181 balljoints. I have just got myself a set of spindles and trailing arm but I need to replace the balljoints.

Also I have trial fitted a brake disc ('72 SBUG) to one of the spindles and am having a clearance problem with the seal on the back of the hub, The disc fits fine but when I install the seal it binds up. Do I just need to fit a seal without a shoulder or is it the disc I'm using, I could trim it back a little on a lathe.

Photo shows one of the reasons I have to replace the balljoints and why you need to line them up properly when you fit them.Don't think it would have done much for suspension travel.

[ Edited on 26-9-2006 by mackaymanx ]

:bounce anyone, I'm just trying to shorten down the list of people to ring.

I bought mine from ISP WEST VW PARTS & RESTORATIONS INC. in the US. Website is WWW.VWISPWEST.COM 

Part No:
Upper= 181405361A, $21.25 US each
Lower= 181405371C, $21.25 US each.

Shipping $44.50 US

Cheers
Craig T

thanks, did you have any clearance problems with the seal?

No, it fits fine.

Ok, I'll have to investigate that further. Prices have gone up, $45 US now

Got some from from COR for $58 each, here by friday and no hassle and wait with an OS order.

Wow they have them in Stock...............that's good to know.

I've put some comparison shots up for those interested, LH BJ and RH 181

Pics of standard ball joints

Had to machine the camber adjusters to accept the larger taper that 181 balljoints have( machined one is on the left). PO was using standard beetle upper balljoints.These adjusters are a bit ratty(came off a spare beam I had). I will probably replace these later, Just wanted to see how hard they were to machine.

Started on some caliper brackets today. Pic show progress so far.

Looking good...:thumb

mackaymanx I'm guessing you work for / own a machine shop. Some good work there.

I got the blanks cut, all I have is a little lathe. It's slow, I can only take small cuts but it does the job.

Nice work:thumb:thumb:thumb

Here is one assembled with the dust cover installed. Will use socket head cap screws to bolt the brackets on later.

I have some comparison shots of the lower trailing arm, I haven't shown the upper trailing arm because I don't believe I have the proper upper trailing arm and even the thing specialist in the US swap them anyway.


First shot shows RH BJ and LH 181 trailing arms




This shows the difference in tube thickness of the arms, it should be note that the upper BJ arm thickness is the same as the lower 181 arm




Here is the standard BJ arm, modified BJ arm and 181 arm.I found that by removing the excess metal on the BJ arm you can fit the 181 ball joint( the 181 ball joint has a larger diameter mounting flange).




The shock absorber stud is longer, has a larger thread and is machined back closer to the ball joint, but the centreline of the shock absorber remains the same as the standard BJ arm. Extra lugs around the balljoint would just make removal easier.





I can see no difference in the geometry of the trailing arms to prevent you from using modified standard BJ trailing arms with 181 spindles.



[ Edited on 10-10-2006 by mackaymanx ]

.

Custom Offroad have got them on the shelf.

http://www.customoffroad.com.au/vw/partFull.asp?partid=184 

True, but mine cost me less than half what they are asking. I posted the drawing for somebody on thesamba because I couldn't post it there.