Front Axle beam questions

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- tinsco
  
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posted
16 years ago

Wed, Oct 3, 2007 5:56 PM

I've done a little searching on the forum trying to find a procedure for removal and installation of the front axle beam on a 76' type 1. I have found a spindle to spindle axle beam and will be replacing soon. I saw in a post that i have to cut the bumper struts? If i do this can I just replace with t-bar bumpers? I'm going to crawl under the thing this afternoon. I need to replace this stuff soon as it's my only car and I have to drive it to work with no shocks. (only a couple of miles on backroads not going over 35 mph)

thanks.

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- Speedy Jim
  
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posted
16 years ago

Wed, Oct 3, 2007 6:25 PM

Yes, the safety braces ahead of the beam must be cut off.

You'll have to be creative to make mounting brackets for the T-bar since the bolt holes for the newer shock absorbing bumpers are different, I think.

Speedy Jim

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- dave AKA vwdoc1
  
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posted
16 years ago

Thu, Oct 4, 2007 1:33 AM

Try to replace the beams without cutting any metal first and you may get lucky. ;-) What Speedy Jim and others are talking about is VW added some metal was added to the 1975-1977 Beetles between the spare tire well and the front axle beams. I believe it stops the crushing of the spare tire well in the event the front bumper takes a hit. Like Speedy Jim said..............safety braces and you will probably not miss them if you do cut them off. ;-)

IIRC I have done a 1975 Type 1 without any cutting. I had to force the beams in and out though and maybe the body was a little more flexible due to rust (Chicago Beetle). lol I usually leave the steering box attached to the steering column/shaft along with the tie rods attached to the spindles. So I usually only remove and install the beams together with the ball joints. Other times I install a new bare front axle (beams only) and assemble it on the car.

Your complete beam will be much heavier and harder to work with. ;-) Have Fun!