AirSpeed VW Community Forums

Technical => Chassis & Suspension Forum => Topic started by: HeliMike on June 07, 2005, 12:44:03 PM

Title: Torsion Bars
Post by: HeliMike on June 07, 2005, 12:44:03 PM

When I did the IRS conversion on my wagon I had to pitch the stock swingaxle torsion bars for the IRS ones, but my parts-car that allowed me to do the conversion was a late-model bug. I have noticed that the ride in the back of the wagon is a  little \"fluffy\" even with gas-a-justs, urethane bushings, and being totally hammered . She still sways a lot around corners in the back and I don't remember any bugs I've owned having this problem. Basically what I'm getting at, is there a difference between type3 and type1 torsion bars?  

Title: Torsion Bars
Post by: Tom H. on June 07, 2005, 05:32:44 PM

yes they are different, but still the same colour red. ;)

which length did you put in? If you don't know...........


measure how much sticks out past the retainer..

626mm long TBs come in 22, 23 and 24 mm

the 23s are extremely rare in a T1, M6 option only (heavy duty)

22s were std for bugs, 23s for T3s (NB & FB) and 24s for SBs


676 mm long come in 22 and 23.5

23.5s were SBs

22s T1 & T3

there was a 24 mm bar in really early T1s that had a 626 length

clear as mud, EH?

Title: Torsion Bars
Post by: HeliMike on June 08, 2005, 08:50:08 AM

:blink:  
Thanks a bunch Tom :rockon: . It's probably safe to assume I have the skinny TB's on my wagon from what you're saying.
Now I'm off to track down some squareback TB's.   :(
 

Title: Torsion Bars
Post by: Tom H. on June 08, 2005, 09:10:28 AM

I think you may have the long ones, measure the part sticking out past the retainer and I can then confirm or deny.............

Title: Torsion Bars
Post by: Bruce on June 08, 2005, 12:59:45 PM

If the variety of bars Tom listed wasn't confusing enough, don't forget stock Porsche 924 and 944s are the same length and spline as late Beetles.  If you can't find any Type 3 dia bars, you can get the exact same dia bars from a dead Porsche.  But beware, the variety of bars available in Porsches is much greater than in VWs.  
Ask Geoff how he found out what he knows about the different dia Porsche bars.

Title: Torsion Bars
Post by: Geoff on June 08, 2005, 02:11:07 PM

Ahhh yes Bruce let my secret out B)  I run 944 bars in my oval, I will have to look up the #'s again but they do come in many sizes. If I were you I'd just get some T3 ones as the 944 bars may even be softer than the VW ones even when the same size OD is compared. The VW had a lot more weight above the rear wheels than a 944/924.
My .02$