Front Suspension

Since the rear suspension is more or less complete, its time to get back to the front. I had to start by setting the body on the pan so I can locate the steering box on the beam. Once that was done I was able to attach the steering stop and the dampener bracket. Next up, I need to notch the shock towers so the front clip will clear.

Rear Suspension

It's been a long time coming, but the rear suspension is all back together. I took it apart this morning and put the new rubber spring plate bushings in. I also got the wheel studs cut to length and the calipers mounted. I do still have to run the brake lines to the rear wheels though. I want to figure out a way to run soft lines to the calipers so I don't have to disconnect them just to get them off.

Front Beam

The new adjusters I ordered showed up yesterday so I decided to weld the front beam back together today! I started by making a set of sleeves out of an old chain-link fence post. The diameter was almost right so all I had to do was cut a slit and make it just a little larger. The seam is in the back so you can't see it in this picture.

The beam it self is all welded up. I still have to locate and attach the steering stop and the dampener bracket. I'll have to set the body on the floor pan first so I can make sure I locate the steering box correctly. Then I need to shorten the torsion bars and tie rods.

Front Beam

After getting the components cut off yesterday, I decided to get the beam cut today. I started by grinding the old welds down from when I put the adjusters in the first time. Once that was done, I marked the beam with electrical tape and cut it in half with a sawz-all.

Front Beam

I've decided to narrow my beam 2 1/2 inches to account for the dropped spindles and the wider tires. I found this link, On the Straight and Narrow from VW Trends. They follow Ron Lummus as he narrows a beam by cutting 4 inches out of the center and adding adjusters.

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension is finally back together. I decided to go with 18 degrees of preload which will only drop the rear-end about 1 inch. I'm hoping the tires will fill the wheel wells but the ride will not suffer too much. Next up is to get the rotors drilled and the studs pressed in so I can mount the wheels.