1302 To a 1303 Front suspension swap

[eric1]

I have read if you install a 1303 front suspension into a 1302 it will increase the track by about 26mm. Is this per side?

If this is so I want to Know if anyone has done the reverse? Put the 1302 into a 1303. The reason I am considering is to decrease the track width. I have a set of 17x7 with 42mm offset and do not tuck very well. I talked to John at Topline and he said I need at least 55mm to tuck under the late model fenders.

If possible would it be a direct bolt in?

What parts are needed to do this?

[vujade]

well for a 73 or 74 1303, it will be a fairly easy swap.
you will need the 1302 struts, lower control arms, sway bar
spindles and brakes...

for the 75&up cars, you will also need to get the early style
steering with all the tie rods to replace your Rack & Pinion steering
setup...

The 71-74 front track is 54.1" and the 75-79 front track is 54.9"
(quoted from Superman on Superbeetlesonly.com)

thats a 8/10th of inch difference or about 20mm total (10mm per side)

[eric1]

could you just have longer tie rods made and keep the rack and pinion?

[Marc]

In stock form there's slightly less clearance between the inner sidewall and the spring on the 1302 (why the early 5½" Sports wheels were ET26 and the late were ET34). May not affect you, especially if using smaller-diameter aftermarket springs, but it might.

[eric1]

Im using the maxx strut set up

[Wally]

In stock form there's slightly less clearance between the inner sidewall and the spring on the 1302 (why the early 5½" Sports wheels were ET26 and the late were ET34).

You are indeed scary knowledgable


Walter

[effvee]

Hi, well I thought the reason for changine from a 1302 to 1303 was due tp being able to use the 130mm bolt pattern. One of the down side was the wider wheel space by 26mm. while using the 130mm bolt pattern you can also transplant the four wheel disc brake for a 1985 Porsche 944. Just why are you making the swap

[eric1]

The reason that i would like to do this swap is to decrease the track width in my rack n pinion super. Inorder to tuck the wheels I need a 55mm offset, mine are 42mm. If I decrease the track width by 13mm per side by using the 1302 struts this would add to my offset and give me the 55mm I need. I have considered finding porsche wheels but I have not found any I liked in the offset needed. I would also have to buy all new rotors as mine have been drilled already. I have found used and new parts and can do the swap for about 420.00. About 280.00 just for new rotors.

Used control arms, strut housing, spindles
New Ball joints, sway bar, bushings

[effvee]

Hi, a 1303 spindle will not fit on a 1302. Their bolt pattern are different at were the spindle bolts to struts. If its not for the disc brake conversion, and only to narrow your width, then why not just have your rims cut and re-postioned to an offset of your choice. If you have all of the 1985 944 Porsche parts take advantage of having them, and since you have a 1303 you will not need to hunt down the lower control arm. Get some 1303 strut from any number of suppliers. Now if you width problem is still a problem have the rims of your choice cut and offset to your spec's. If they are Aluminium call a man named Eric Vaughn 1 (636) 358-6413. Eric can cut and weld better than orignal, you won't be able to tell a difference. If they are steal wheel call Collins Muffler and Wheels 1 (562)630-6546. Eric did some cookie cutters changing them from 6 wide to 10inches, very good work. Now Collins I don't know due to I bourght some center section from a Porsche and have not got to the point of choosing what offset or rim width. Collins can offset. Good lunk

[effvee]

Hi, a 1303 spindle will not fit on a 1302. Their bolt pattern are different. If its not for the disc brake conversion, and only to narrow your width, then why not just have your rims cut and re-postioned to an offset of your choice. If you have all of the 1985 944 Porsche parts take advantage of having them, and since you have a 1303 you will not need to hunt down the lower control arm. Get some 1303 strut from any number of suppliers. Now if you width problem is still a problem have the rims of your choice cut and offset to your spec's. If they are Aluminium call a man named Eric Vaughn 1 (636) 358-6413. Eric can cut and weld better than orignal, you won't be able to tell a difference. If they are steal wheel call Collins Muffler and Wheels 1 (562)630-6546. Eric did some cookie cutters changing them from 6 wide to 10inches, very good work. Now Collins I don't know due to I bourght some center section from a Porsche and have not got to the point of choosing what offset or rim width. Collins can offset. Good luck

[eric1]

I have a late 1303 rack n pinion with a 54.9" track. I do have 4 wheel disk. The should work on the 1302 spindles. I dont have porsche wheels or anything porsche. All i want to do is swap to a 1302 suspension set-up to decrease the track to 54.1". So i can us the rims i have with 42mm offset on a 17x7 rim.