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Suspension Nightmares

FM Former Member
I'm having trouble with the VS widebody I purchased last month. The car was lowered and I can't seem to find anyone near by (Albany NY) that knows these cars. I took it to a shop and the guy seemed confident and ably to do the work (they do VW, Porsche, Audi work). I wanted the rear raised about 1/2" and the front (which was VERY low) raised 1 1/2". The machanic recommended installing coil over shocks in the rear which ended up bringing the rear up almost 2" (at the lowest setting). Then he raised the front end about 1/2". Yes, opposite what I asked. To make matters worse, the left rear is about 1/2" lower than the right rear and the left front is almost 1" lower than the front right.

I spoke with Kirk at VS, he said the difference in the rear height from right to left is causing the front to be out, and he recommends removing the coil overs, installing the original shocks and adjusting the rear springs. I agree with him. Now, how to do it.

I need to know how to adjust the rear suspension on a 65. notes, detail drawings, books what ever anyone has or can recommend will help. Also, I would like to find out how to adjust the front I beam. There is an upper and a lower adjuster, I would like to know how they work and proceedure pefore I get started.

Last issue is the steering. The wheels turn a bunch more to the right than the left, how do I adjust the steering box?

I know I'm asking a lot but I need to learn how to work on this car myself, it looks like I'm the only one I can trust.

Thanks a tub load!

Scott



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FM Former Member
I'm having trouble with the VS widebody I purchased last month. The car was lowered and I can't seem to find anyone near by (Albany NY) that knows these cars. I took it to a shop and the guy seemed confident and ably to do the work (they do VW, Porsche, Audi work). I wanted the rear raised about 1/2" and the front (which was VERY low) raised 1 1/2". The machanic recommended installing coil over shocks in the rear which ended up bringing the rear up almost 2" (at the lowest setting). Then he raised the front end about 1/2". Yes, opposite what I asked. To make matters worse, the left rear is about 1/2" lower than the right rear and the left front is almost 1" lower than the front right.

I spoke with Kirk at VS, he said the difference in the rear height from right to left is causing the front to be out, and he recommends removing the coil overs, installing the original shocks and adjusting the rear springs. I agree with him. Now, how to do it.

I need to know how to adjust the rear suspension on a 65. notes, detail drawings, books what ever anyone has or can recommend will help. Also, I would like to find out how to adjust the front I beam. There is an upper and a lower adjuster, I would like to know how they work and proceedure pefore I get started.

Last issue is the steering. The wheels turn a bunch more to the right than the left, how do I adjust the steering box?

I know I'm asking a lot but I need to learn how to work on this car myself, it looks like I'm the only one I can trust.

Thanks a tub load!

Scott



FM Former Member
I guess no one in this club has done this work? Well, I found this article, perhaps if anyone has done this they can look and see if it is accurate, or maybe it will help someone else needing to adjust the rear suspension.

www.geocities.com/aussiebug1970/rearaxle.html

Scott
FM Former Member
I appreciate your concern, however I have some experience working on american pickups, heavy trucks, and heavy equipment (did maintenance/repairs for a construction company). Now that I have had the car in the air, and understand the steps, it doesn't sound/look so bad. the toughest thing will be pulling the spring plate back with out it "springing" on me and setting even tension on the torsion bars. I could probably find another machanic, but I've taken the car to two so far. The first would not work on the car at all, and you know the story on the second.

on another note, It looks like I can loosen the steering arm to re-center the steering box, does that sound correct? BTW, I ordered the Bentley Manual.

O, and the horn doesn't work if anyone has any insite on how it should be wired.

Thanks,

Scott
FM Former Member
Scott,

There is a guy in northern PA that has been building Speedsters and other replica's for a long while. Nice guy. His name is Alan M. He posts here from time to time. Depending on where you are in NY state you may not be out of range. He works as an youth instructor where they refurbish used Speedster replica's and then sell them. They have two now listed on ebay. His email address is drclock@hotmail.com. He can probably answer your questions as they arise, or perhaps you can work something out with him. It sucks to have problems with a new car, sorry about that. Know the feeling.
FM Former Member
Fixed!!

Increased and balanced the tension on the rear torsion bars and the car sits at an appropriate, level height. This is not a very difficult or dangerous job (IMO). There was not nearly as much tension on the torsion bars as the articles I read said there would be. Just be careful, take your time, and support the car well.

Kirk from VS sent me a diagram of the horn wiring, it was a snap to fix.

The steering wheel still turns about 3/4 of a turn further to the right than the left. Looks like I'll have to adjust at the steering linkage. The car was aligned (although it drifts to the right) does anyone know if I turn each tie rod end the same number or turns, will that maintain the alignment?

Thanks for all your input,

Scott
FM Former Member
George,

how can you tell if the steering arm is in the correct postion? I can do circles in my garage to the right, and have trouble pulling a U turn accross a lane and using a driveway to the left. 3/4 of a turn is a BIG difference. I can see that there are lots of exposed threads on the left wheel tie rod, and almost none on the right.

Car is a complete blast to drive!

Thanks,

Scott
Alan MerklinAlan MerklinDrclock - Elkins, West Virginia Supporting Member
More turing radius to one side than the other ???
Sounds like the steering "stops" might be "out of kilter" so to speak
there are two bolts with stop nuts on them you can adjust as needed but....watch out for inner and outter clearances i.e. rubbing on full turns

"You can turn around in your garage ?"........ Geeeesh ! lol

.......Erik thanks for the recomendation !

Alan M.
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