Author Topic: ? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary  (Read 3596 times)

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Offline s3racing

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? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary
« on: June 18, 2014, 12:04:34 AM »
When is a Narrowed beam needed. Im Lowering my car 2- 2.5" (drop Spindles) all around running 205 or 215 width rubber up front. And as wide as i can go on the rears, on 17" or 18" wheels. Is a Narrowed beam necessary for such an application. I'd like to go lower but i think for what im using the car that would be unpractical. Daily driver / Hill climb / the occasional road race track. I will be going to Widened / Flared Fenders all around the car to help with clearance.
Thanks for your input.
  René

Offline Geoff

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Re: ? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary
« Reply #1 on: June 18, 2014, 09:34:56 AM »
The reason for a narrowed beam is all about clearance. Many people today like to run skinny wheels and a narrowed beam......way to narrowed beam. To me it's a bad look but to each their own.

For your car you will need to figure out your wheel offset , from there you may need to add spacers for caliper clearance or wheel adapters depending on bolt circle.  If your spindles are dropped they may offset your wheels upto 3/4 more. That depends on the manufacturer.

Once you get that sorted bolt it up to your car and see how much narrower your beam needs to be to safely turn and not rub. Remember to always build a safe beam and use shock towers with shocks!

Offline s3racing

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Re: ? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary
« Reply #2 on: June 18, 2014, 01:52:09 PM »
Thanks Geoff,
I've seen that trend with the narrow Beam skinny Tires. Not really the look that i'm after. Not my Style.  As you said to each their own.
Thanks for the info. 
I currently have a new stock width Beam with towers. And 2.5" Drop Spindles (not yet installed on the car) Would it be more cost effective to work with what i have ( Narrow if needed and add in adjusters ) Or have one built that will fit my needs. I'm thinking I would go to adjustable just so i have a little more flexibility / Adjustability on the ride hight if needed. Or I might do that with coil overs shocks and leave one or both of the spring packs loose giving me the adjustment possibilities.

What would you suggest more?

Offline buddy boy

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Re: ? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary
« Reply #3 on: June 18, 2014, 08:05:56 PM »
Im running 16x7's Fuchs all around with 205 rubber and i needed a 3" narrowed beam plus drilled drums and rolled fenders to get those fat bitches in !

"only dead fish swim with the stream"

Offline s3racing

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Re: ? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2014, 01:59:35 PM »
Pretty certain I'll go with 215/40zr18 front and 245/35zr18 rear I need the 18's for brake caliper clearance. But plan on using flared fenders Allaround to help clearance the wheels with the decreased ride Hight. I guess best bet is to put it together and see what we need to do from there for the proper tire / wheel clearance.

Offline Atomwerk

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Re: ? Why ? When is a Narrowed beam necessary
« Reply #5 on: October 15, 2014, 09:51:49 PM »
Remember to always build a safe beam and use shock towers with shocks!

Well said! I agree with Geoff about narrowed being utilized for tire clearance issues, however by doing so you also stiffen the front suspension and lose torsion leaf twist.
Lower or raise your air-cooled VW the right way!