AirSpeed VW Community Forums
Technical => Chassis & Suspension Forum => Topic started by: neil68 on September 05, 2014, 10:30:06 PM
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I was experiencing some major lift of the rear suspension at the end of the 1/4-mile, during braking...causing the front fenders to rub on the tires. I know one answer is to install a narrow beam, but that is not going to happen soon.
I decided to install some limiting straps for now, as the Beetle has the stock suspension, which I'd like to keep.
Do I have these on the correct side of the shocks...it seems like it is the best way to install them (at least for this type of basic strap). They are 14-inch straps, which will stop the shock at around 1.5 inches short of full extension. Here are some iPhone photos:
(https://airspeedparts.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi60.tinypic.com%2Fdh4ria.jpg&hash=e03808fea6467c50de48f1c4f15730a4e6a0edb8)
(https://airspeedparts.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.tinypic.com%2Fxeey4z.jpg&hash=611ba0b44b01028fbb90586687e92abc0be8d59b)
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Ya, you want to keep the shocks in the stock position to maintain correct geometry. Just make sure you're using proper grade hardware if and when you need to extend for proper fit
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The straps worked well at 14" (no shortening required). I raced at Rimbey's new NHRA track on Saturday, and there was no more tire rubbing on the front fenders (when letting up at the end of the race)!
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If your rear end is lowered by simply reindexing your factory spring plates then the reason that it raises so high is because the spring plate is articulating farther away from the lower hard stop in the torsion housing during normal driving. In other words your suspension has more downward travel than it should have. Placing limiting straps in one way to limit the down travel, however a properly engineered drop plate will also restore the factory spring plate travel but will also restore the factory torsion or firmness.