Lowering and narrowing front end on 74 Bug

vwbugboy · Post by **vwbugboy** » Wed Nov 14, 2001 1:54 pm

I have a 74 Standard Bug that I am going to weld adjusters into the front beam to lower it. The thing is though, I don't have the money for 135's right now, so could I narrow the beam an inch on each side? Or what is a good amount to narrow it so I won't have any rubbing with it lowered 4" with 165/15 tires?

If you have any websites with tech info on this it'd be great if you could e-mail them to [email protected]

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Wed Nov 14, 2001 3:25 pm

For a 4" drop, you'll need to install "lowered" ball joints. You will also need to replace the front sway bar with a "lowered" one so it doesn't scrape the ground. You might need to also change the front shocks.

So if you can't afford tires, can you afford all these other parts?

I lowered my 74 Beetle 3" and can still fit 195/60-15 without any problems. Take a look at http://www.glenn-ring.com/resto

nicanor · Post by **nicanor** » Wed Nov 14, 2001 9:14 pm

If you weld in adjusters, you won't need lowered spindles as stated above. These 2 basically does the same thing, only the dropped spindles is the better way of doing it since you get to keep the full stock shock ride. With adjusters, you'll need lowered shock absorbers (I recommend them).

As for lowering the sway bars, you can remove them if you have them installed, but if you don't have any you obviously you don't have to worry about it. As for narrowing the beams, don't know the answer.

vwbugboy · Post by **vwbugboy** » Wed Nov 14, 2001 10:39 pm

Why would I need lowered ball joints? I've read VW mags for a couple years and have never heard of them. I plan on just leaving the sway bar off for now. So you're saying that with 165 tires they won't rub when I turn?!?! I've always heard that they will.

nicanor · Post by **nicanor** » Thu Nov 15, 2001 10:34 am

To lower the car you can either use beam adjusters (like what you're doing) or/and use lowered spindles (where the brakes are connected to, not the ball joint). Not sure if the tires will rub or not. I guess it all depends on how much you lower the adjusters. If you lower half an inch maybe it won't, if you lower it to the max, the lowest 14" w/ low profiles will have probmlems. How much are you looking to lower it?

nicanor · Post by **nicanor** » Thu Nov 15, 2001 10:36 am

Just noticed 4" drop. You'll most likely have rubbing problems.

vwbugboy · Post by **vwbugboy** » Thu Nov 15, 2001 2:20 pm

How much should I narrow it to avoid rubbing on turns?