Stock x 1" longer arms

[BajaT4]

Anybody know where to pick up a set of stock x 1" longer arms? I see that Larry's Off Road has a set available, just wondering if anyone else does.

Supposedly you can use stock length axles with these arms. These arms would easily allow me to go from a 31" tire to a 33".

[BajaT4]

Which arm fabricator would you suggest? I found Eagle and Kymco but have no idea if they build quality arms or junk.

[GDRBO]

my arms (2 X 3) are from Suspensions Unlimited. Price is usually a fair indicator of quality. The cheap ones are made in Tiwan. Good quality ones should be about $300 with the really good ones (race quality) being in the $500 range. The limited class arms could be a little cheaper due to less materiel and good production quanities.

[BajaT4]

Thanks!

[Shawn T]

Why not pick up a set of steel 944 arms off of ebay for $100 (including stubs for type 2 or 4 joints, and disc brakes) and extend them yourself (real easy if you weld) or have a welding shop (should be very reasonable) do it.

Have fun
Shawn T

[BajaT4]

I've never heard of that Shawn. Do you have pictures of a converted set?

[GDRBO]

Just about everone who makes arms makes that size. That is the legal arm size for Score classes 1/2-1600 and 5-1600. You may find them listed as such rather than stock X 1".

[Shawn T]

Recently there were some pics posted either here or on Dune-Buggy.com where the owner extended the pivot end 1". Anybody remember who or when that was?

If you do this conversion the 924S or 944 arms are much stouter than bug ones (also about 5 # heavier).

Have fun

Shawn T

[BajaT4]

You mean like these aluminum arms? I can't believe they fit exactly.





Both images from John Maher Racing's website.

[Shawn T]

Those are the later (85+) aluminum trailing arms and yes they do bolt up. The track width increases about 4 inches I think

The earlier steel arms also are a direct bolt up and when used with 944 discs add about 1 inch width on each side

Have fun

Shawn T

[Class 11 streeter]

QUESTION:

Could I bolt up the 924/early 944 steel arms to my beetle offroad sedan and still have about the same track for tire/fender clearance?

Do the Porsh-ahh trailing arms have shock mounts in the same location as VW?

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

[Shawn T]

I don't know if the non turbo 924 arms are the same as the 924S (turbo) and 944 steel arms (which are the same).

The answer to your question is maybe. All of the literature on the conversion says the 944 steel arms are 25mm wider than the standard bug ones. What I don't know is if that includes the 25mm aluminum spacer (removable) that is on the hub. I believe it is there to provide proper clearance for the disc caliper. If you were to use standard drum brakes on these arms I don't know what the overall width would be.

If I have a chance this weekend I'll pull a standard bug arm and compare it to the 944 steel arm.

The one other issue you have to deal with if you use the disc brake set up is the Porsche wheel bolt pattern. You can either use an adapter back to standard bug (this will add some width I believe) or you can acquire 5 X 130mm wheels. You can have 5 X 5" Centerlines redrilled (they don't offer 5 X 130mm from the factory any longer), you can buy new steel from Diamond Wheels, you can buy new HD aluminum from Real Wheels, you can use stock porsche alloys (questionable for offroad) or you can acquire 4 15" porsche steel compact spare wheels and mount regular tires on them. There might be other options but these are the ones I've found so far.

Yes the arms have the same shock tubs as stock bug arms.

Shawn T

[This message has been edited by Shawn T (edited 01-28-2003).]

[BajaT4]

I guess the other question is will the Porsche arms accept the T1/T3 backing plate?

I stumbled across another post here where someone was inprocess of the conversion and used T1 bearings and seals which should mean that stub axles will fit as well.

This is all pretty interesting. What else under the rear of a 944 is directly related to a Bug? How many Porsche 944 owners know of this direct relationship?

There are a couple of axle assemblies available on eBay that have decent pictures. The arms earlier steel arms look identical to Bug arms. Why would 944 arms be any better to stretch than stock Bug arms?

[This message has been edited by BajaT4 (edited 01-28-2003).]

[Shawn T]

Again if I have the chance I'll see if the t1 backing plate bolts up but I believe it will.

Yes the stubs are interchangable except the 944 use the thing/411 cv's. Again a good upgrade for offroad.

Reportedly the 944 arms have an internal stiffening plate which accounts for the extra weight. I'm looking at ways to stretch mine to 2 X 3's and if I cut them apart I'll let you know whats inside.

Shawn T

[Class 11 streeter]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BajaT4:
How many Porsche 944 owners know of this direct relationship? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I feel the fewer, the better, but as 944's continue to age more will show up in trailer parks. Then it's only a matter of time before even the worst shade tree mechanic can spot and swap the interchangeable parts.

What works in our favor is the arrogance of the Porsh-ahh purists who insist on a rear engine flat 6 car, and they don't seek or preserve the 924/928/944's with much interest.

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