vw front beam with a v8?

[jetboat]

I'm thinking of building a rod with the parts I have... I have a '46 cj2 that was my wheeler (didnt work well as a wheeler), Ive got the dana 44 narrow track out of it (centered diff not the stock) a 350 from a buddy and figure Ill build my chassis.

The question is can I use the front end I already have... Its a ball joint beam axle from a 65ish bug. I've already got a brand new disc conversion for it and new ball joints so its basically new. I figure the weight of the v8 would require either hd torsions or maybe coil overs. Has anyone successfully done this?

 

[Paul_J]

I haven't done it personally but I've seen it done a lot. There used to be a site called V8bugs (here's the link http://carmensbugs.proboards.com/index.cgi ) that has some examples. Most used the stock torsion leaves with the addition of coilover shocks in place of the stock shocks. The guy that runs the website has a big block Chevy in his using the stock front beam. You can also install the adjusters so you can set the front height.

Here's some shocks that they use.

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-4076-CH

Here's the beam adjusters

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-4032

 

[zzrodder]

A VW front end is not a beam axle. I'm not trashing your idea as it will actually work, however it's not pretty in my opinion. If its somewhat hidden by fenders that helps, but if you're running fenderless it'll be pretty awkward looking.

 

[jetboat]

thanks for the info. I agree that looks wise, it may not be the best. I have ideas on how to hide it though.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

Hide it in the scrap pile and get yourself a Ford-style axle.

 

[rex1927]

Use it

I would use it since you already have it.
I am a big fan of using what you have.
Maybe it`s because I am always so poor???[S

 

[billy]

Hide it in the scrap pile and get yourself a Ford-style axle.

nyuk nyuk

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

I would use it since you already have it.
I am a big fan of using what you have.[S

You could carve out a wrench if all you had was a stick, but it might not work too good...

 

[jetboat]

my budget is about $0 so using what I have is almost mandated. My only other option would be to use the dana 30 solid axle I have. Problem is that I dont know how to set it up so that it would give a decent ride and be low.

 

[Tripper]

Haven't seen anyone do that in a while but there were several around here a few years ago.

BoB

 

[Toad]

Haven't seen anyone do that in a while but there were several around here a few years ago.

BoB

Same here! Guys did that to be different but haven't seen any lately! [S

Toad

 

[bob w]

One of the members here, Tator build a small block Ford powered VW and retained the original front suspension. A square tube frame was built and everything mounted to it. The front suspension was bolted to the frame. The end product was full fendered so the suspension was not visible.