I got a select-a-drop front end last week and put it last night on my 73... something didn't seem right so tonight I decided to take a look at it. I discover that the spindles were pre 69 (68 and earlier have 2mm smaller spindles). No wonder the bearings didn't set.
So I pulled the torsen arms and spindles from my old axle and went to install them on the new axle but I'm having a very annoying problem! I can get the top arm in but not the lower. The torsen leaves just wont slide in.. Is there a trick to doing this with the spindle still attached to the arms... Sorry for the length but Please help.. I'm going insane not being able to drive my bug!
Thanks,
Matt
73 yellow/black spotted bug "the taxi"
1641cc, home ported stock heads w/HD valve springs, holley/weber progrssive, 009, empi j-tubes : header : single quiet pack, high flow pump w/ spin on, mini sump, bolt-on valve covers... and more
Torsen Arms
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JordanK
- Posts: 766
- Joined: Sun Sep 17, 2000 12:01 am
Torsen Arms
Um...
It could be related to the adjusters in the beam, but i have had trouble just putting them back in a stock beam before. it's really easier to take them off of the torsion arms and slide the leaves in one at a time. just undo the locknut and loosen the grub screw that holds the leaves to the arms, they'll slide right out. then you can slide them in one at a time-it's still a pain but not as bad as trying to line them all up at once. be careful to get the orientation of the hole for the grub screw right-unloaded the arms should point down somewhat. a block of wood to "persuade" them past the center section is helpful sometimes, just be careful. it's a greasy job, have some rags handy. Good Luck,
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Jordan
1963 Beetle, 5 spokes, 1776, dropped spindles, etc...
1973 Standard Beetle, stock.
It could be related to the adjusters in the beam, but i have had trouble just putting them back in a stock beam before. it's really easier to take them off of the torsion arms and slide the leaves in one at a time. just undo the locknut and loosen the grub screw that holds the leaves to the arms, they'll slide right out. then you can slide them in one at a time-it's still a pain but not as bad as trying to line them all up at once. be careful to get the orientation of the hole for the grub screw right-unloaded the arms should point down somewhat. a block of wood to "persuade" them past the center section is helpful sometimes, just be careful. it's a greasy job, have some rags handy. Good Luck,
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Jordan
1963 Beetle, 5 spokes, 1776, dropped spindles, etc...
1973 Standard Beetle, stock.
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fastfood
- Posts: 465
- Joined: Wed May 23, 2001 12:01 am
Torsen Arms
Try cleaning some of the grease off and taping the leaves, about 6" from the end. This keeps the shape to go into the trailing arms and helps a lot.
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Rice, it's what's for dinner!!!
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Rice, it's what's for dinner!!!
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73_1641
Torsen Arms
Thanks Everybody! I ended up using the zip-tie meathod and and the torsion arms went right in. I took it for a spin after getting everything greased up and man I'm surprised at the difference. Turn in is better then ever and there seems to be less body-roll but this might all just be my brain self-indulging it's self. hehe. Just one problem; I'm having clearance issues with the sway-bar, it scrapes all the time... what do I do to solve this?
thanks for all your help,
Matt
73 yellow/black spotted bug "the taxi"
1641cc, home ported stock heads w/HD valve springs, holley/weber progrssive, 009, empi j-tubes : header : single quiet pack, high flow pump w/ spin on, mini sump, bolt-on valve covers... and more
thanks for all your help,
Matt
73 yellow/black spotted bug "the taxi"
1641cc, home ported stock heads w/HD valve springs, holley/weber progrssive, 009, empi j-tubes : header : single quiet pack, high flow pump w/ spin on, mini sump, bolt-on valve covers... and more
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vwnate1
- Posts: 596
- Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2001 12:01 am
Torsen Arms
The simple way is to get a zip - tie and wrap it _tightly_ around the torsion bars , close to the end - now they'll slip in fairly easily .
Don't forget to grease the front end after it's to-gether .
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-Nate
Filth & Greed Imports
(the LAST honest VWshop)
Don't forget to grease the front end after it's to-gether .
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-Nate
Filth & Greed Imports
(the LAST honest VWshop)