The Best way to lower 1955 through 1967 Classic Volkswagen Split Type 2 Bus is with a Complete PRObuilt Lowering Kit from Airkewld. It lowers the bus 3.50" or 89mm up front and 4" or 101mm in the rear from *stock. Stock is a relative term. Even though you have not changed anything over time, you are assessing the vehicle's overall height as it currently sits. But it has relaxed over time, gradually starting to sag. This is what a stock bus at stock height looks like off the showroom floor, over a 5" gap between the top of the tire and the upper fender arch. Even the rear wheels have some positive camber. The products supplied in this kit will lift the vehicle back up to stock height, then lower it by 3.5" and 4".
Assembled in the USA | Product updated 8/12/23 by Pete Related: Why don't we recommend a Narrowed Beam for a Type 2 | Disc Brakes Kits | Transaxle Disclaimer Typical time to install - 24 Hours* | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed
VIDEO
The PRO's are separating each component below to give you reasons why there are individually important to the kit.
PRObuilt Drop Spindle Service PRObuilt Straight Axle Transaxle Torsions - VW of Mexico - Will bring up the saggy front end back to stock height Adjustable Shocks - Fox Racing/Ridetech
ARP SS Hardware Kit
Modified Factory Spring Plates
What's included in the PRObuilt Spindle Service?
The PRO's send a pre-paid shipping label (with insurance $1000) or have FedEx pick up the wrapped up, boxed or placed in a Home Depot Bucket set of Type 2 spindles
Break down the spindles, clean, inspect and notify you of condition
Media blast all components
Clean up spindle nut threads
Clearance carrier
Weld gussets to carriers
Reverse taper for the new flipped tie rod ends
Install new Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushings as needed
Press spindles back together w/ new seals
Install NEW grease fittings and NEW kingpin retaining bolts
Meyle adjustable tie rod assembly so tie rod ends can now come from the bottom
The PRO's ship them back to you insured ($1000) with a signature needed for release
What's recommended?
Go with the powder coated versions for these spindles to have a finish that will last a lifetime
It is recommended you check the adjustments in your link pins ever 2500
miles or every year. There is a square end on the back of the link
pin that you can adjust to tighten up. It will require you to loosen the
clamp bolts to do this.
It is recommended to grease the upper and lower zerks every 2500 miles or every year to keep the system lubricated.
When
installing brakes on these spindles and it is time to adjust the
bearing thrust, you need to tighten the bearings until the drum or rotor
does not move by hand, then back off 1/4 turn and lock it down. This
will ensure that as long as you packed your bearings correctly, lubed
the seal correctly, this too will last forever* and failure will almost
be non-existent.
Kewl Features
Assembled by the PRO's in the USA.
Bolt-On ready
3.5 inches of drop
FAQ
Are you able to guarantee that the assembled spindles on your VW now are done correctly to keep YOU and YOUR family SAFE? If you are, perfect. If you can't, the PRO's at Airkewld will give you that confidence as long as you install them correctly.
Why would I choose a raw steel finish over a powder coated finish or vice versa? Since
most spindles on the market are delivered raw, you would need to finish
them to match the look of your current drive-train, at least the OCD
TEAM over here would. But, if you want to sign off on this part of your
suspension lasting forever, then going the powder coated route makes
sense.
What if I want less of a drop that 3 1/2 inches? If you are
looking to get a precise drop on your current Volkswagen, it's going to
be difficult but attainable. Your VW should have original torsion
springs inside the beam, these hold the vehicle up. But they have sagged
or lost some amount of tension over the years. So trying to do that
math and give you exactly what you want visually, will be difficult.
Best decision would be to
install new torsion leaves
to raise the vehicle up, then understand how much you want to drop it.
If 3 1/2" gives you the right drop, the PRObuilt Spindles Service is a
perfect addition to your VW.
I have slop in my king pins, does these PRObuilt Drop Spindles fix this problem? We replace the factory king pin bushings with this service. The PRO's will polish the king pins to verify if they will work. If they do not, the PRO's will be in contact on replacement king pin options.
I want to add disc brakes to my Type 2 Bus, will your Gen 1 or GEN 2 set of BAD Series Disc Brakes fit them? Yes.
Our BAD Series Disc Brakes fit your factory bus spindles, regardless of being stock or dropped.
What's included in the PRObuilt Transaxle?
It has a 3.88 ring and pinion with OEM long axle/long spline axles and Airkewld straight axle tubes outfitted with a new Type 2 nose
cone and hockey stick. It is a basic stock rebuilt transaxle with new
bearings, seals, syncros and an overdrive 4th gear. Transaxle Disclaimer - Link . You can opt for the upgraded performance version in the drop down menu. An upgraded super diff, heavy duty side plate, welded gears, steel shift forks
and more! Axle bearing spacers, axle nuts and billet bearing clamps are also included and make this a bolt in solution with disc brakes or modified drum brakes below.This
kit is made to eliminate your troublesome gear reduction boxes. It
allows a straight axle direct from the transmission to the wheels,
resulting in better power transfer from the engine. ᅠ It is essential
that the instructions provided here be followed to ensure a trouble-free
installation. ᅠ You should also have a copy of the 63-67 factory
workshop manual, an excellent reference to consult with. What about brakes
Type 2 >1963 - Use your original drums, but they must be machined .750" off at the snout and machining the inner-most lip flush. This allows you to need the following:
1968-1979 Type 1 Rear Backing Plates
1968-1979 Type 1 Rear Brake Shoes
1968-1979 Type 1 FRONT Wheel cylinders
Type 2 1964-1967 -You can install the kit with the above parts if you can find some pre-1963 Drums. ᅠ If not, the only other alternative is to use 64-65 Type 3 Rear Brakes with the following:
1954-65 Notchback/Squareback Rear Drums
1954-54 Notchback.Squareback Rear Backing Plates
1303 Front Wheel Cylinders This conversion requires the use of your
spring plates , which the PRO's send a pre-paid shipping label via email
to retrieve your plates and send them back to us for modification. Shocks Monotube shock technology is more responsive with better oil control and
is vastly superior to twin tube shock design. Shock absorbers are
without a doubt the brains of your suspension.
Nothing influences how your car rides and handles more than its shock
absorbers. To
best accomplish that objective, RideTech shock absorbers utilize
monotube design which allows for a larger piston and more precise
valving. The design is superior to twin tubes shocks with respect to
damping and reliability. These HQ Series Shocks are rebound adjustable
shock absorbers and offer exceptional quality thanks to impact-forged,
hard-anodized bodies and heavy-duty shafts. They carry an industry-best
1,000,001 mile warranty. What size tires should I run after installing this kit? 14" - P185/60r-14's - Link 15" - P185/60r-15's - Link 16" - P195/50r-16's - Link 17" - P205/45r-17's for all the same size tire front and back or staggered P205/40r-17 front, P215/45r-17 in the rear.
What does this product fit?
1955 through 1967 Type 2 Bus Kombi Transporter Single Cab Double Cab along with the 1968-75 Brazilian Type 2 Split BusDoes not fit the 1968-79 Bay Bus nor can it be modified to fit
Accessories, check the box to include with your order.