How To Raise A Bug?

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 12:39 pm

Just to get you started here I`ll say there are two basic and distinctively different methods of raising the bug.
The first method is most common . It is the suspension lift. The front torsion suspension is altered in a way that will preload tension, thus lift results. The same principle is used at the rear. The torsion bars are rotated to increase (or preload) tension resulting in a raised stance. This methos is used to increase ground clearance.
The second method is the body lift. In this case the body is removed and square tubing (or similar material) is used to space the body up off the floor pan. This will increase fender clearance(and slightly ground clearance after larger tires are fitted).
Both methods have their purpose depending on what it is you wish to accomplish. And both methods are compatable in conjunction with each other. Good luck. Bob Ingman

danfromsyr · Post by **danfromsyr** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 1:50 pm

in the front many use thing spindles and trailing arms.. combined with a mildly adjusted beam and longer shocks (89 mustang rears) you can have alot of front lift.. 30" tires with some rub on turns (wider beam to cure that)

then the problem is making the rear level ..
using mentioned wider aftermarket trailing arms.

then with bigger rear tires your gunna need a lower geared tranny (T-2) and mounts to maybe some more HP (T-4)

if you keep it simple, a stock bug with fiberglass kit and 235/75/15 tires will mostly satisfy as a street/trails offroader using a slightly modified stock motor..(exhaust, valve train, carberation) and be very economical..

Ohh and the higher you raise the car. you need to lift the seats.. to equal out the POV (point of view) otherwise all you see is dash and hood.

Originally my baja had 32x11.5 rears and 195/70/14 fronts with thing lift. it would out handle our 89 mustang in the curves..
and handled fine off road.. didn't like urbs with the 14's

[This message has been edited by danfromsyr (edited 02-10-2003).]

GDRBO · Post by **GDRBO** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 5:49 pm

There is no need to lift the seats unless you install a body lift. The POV is unchanged without the body lift. That is, your eyeballs may be higher but their relationship to the windsheild, fenders etc. hasn't changed.

SportyBug · Post by **SportyBug** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 5:54 pm

Ok, here is how I would like my car to stand. How do I get it there? Thanks guys, Mike
http://www.geocities.com/freakyillusion/baja.html
Could you be more exact as to what each lift does and changes?

[This message has been edited by SportyBug (edited 02-10-2003).]

GDRBO · Post by **GDRBO** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 7:28 pm

It has a body lift and suspension tweeks as well and tall tires to boot. You will have to do it all! Rotate the front beam or install adjusters. Reset the rear torsion bars. Find some tires you like. And install a body lift kit. The last require compleatly unbolting the body from the pan as well as modifing the angle of the steering collum, raising the seats and possibly extending the seat belts. Oh, and it has a one piece glass nose.

SportyBug · Post by **SportyBug** » Mon Feb 10, 2003 11:22 pm

Hey guys, new to this side of STF, and was wondering how do you raise a bug? I was thinking of making an offroad monster but still be able to drive it on the street. Thanks guys, Mike

Class 11 streeter · Post by **Class 11 streeter** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 2:57 am

SportyBug, there is something you will find out about raised up Beetles/Baja's when you get yours on the road:

You will never-ever-ever be afraid of most road hazards again. Potholes, speedbumps, parking lot blocks, curbs, sidewalks, raised medians, fallen road signs, water deeper than 3", small and medium sized road kill, nothing stops you! In fact, most things meant to slow/stop traffic (speed bumps, curbs) becomes an opportunity to "play"!

Heck, one time in my old Baja (RIP), I came to some road construction work, no traffic around and I didn't want to turn around, so I just jumped the curb, drove past the astonished flagman, thru some big corporate office's landscaping in front of their building, and down off the curb onto the street once past the site. The workers must have been too suprized to catch my license plate, Johnny Law never got me for that one!

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I am from the Government, and I am here to help!

SportyBug · Post by **SportyBug** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 12:26 pm

Alright GDRBO, where do I start of find out how to do all of that? There is a lot there, what should I start with? You got to explain everything, I've always been a Rodder, I make cars shorter not taller. And thats always been Super Beetles.Thanks guys, Mike

[This message has been edited by SportyBug (edited 02-11-2003).]

GDRBO · Post by **GDRBO** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 3:47 pm

Making them taller is the reverse of shortening them. You are dealing with torsion bars the rears are splined so they need to be reset (adjusted at the splines). The fronts are basicly fixed so you need to either install an adjuster or cut the center locator loose and turn and reweld it. These are very basic statements and could vary sonewhat depending on the year of bug you have. I'd start with the suspension. You may find that to be all you need, if not you can always do the body lift later. If you need more details check past posts, buy manuals or borrow them from the library, or if you get into it and get stuck come on back and ask specific questions. Buy or borrow a copy of Jeff Hibberds book "How to Build Buggys and Bajas" for more info than you know what to do with at this point!

SportyBug · Post by **SportyBug** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 7:58 pm

GDRBO, I cant find that book! Where else can I look? Who else can help? Mike

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Tue Feb 11, 2003 11:24 pm

Everyplace that sells VW books has it. I know www.aircooled.net for one will have it. It`s The Bible.
Also on this page the thread by Kubelmann Rear End Lift may contain useful information for you. Good luck Bob Ingman

Class 11 streeter · Post by **Class 11 streeter** » Wed Feb 12, 2003 2:17 am

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewpr ... 09&cartid=

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I am from the Government, and I am here to help!

[This message has been edited by Class 11 streeter (edited 02-12-2003).]

john @ no dollars racing · Mon Feb 24, 2003 9:06 pm

i,ve always used a jack