This video is full of information that make understanding what your VW has as far as axles in the rear. Why does this matter? You need to know this information. If you don’t, your wheels you just ordered won’t fit. Your brand new tires will rub. Your disc brake kit you just ordered will need to be returned. You will need to educate yourself before investing money in your VW build.
Today, we talk about axle lengths. What was stock on US Spec Type 1 Beetles, the lengths etc.
1949-65 Beetle normally has short axle, short spline configurations. 1966-67 Beetle normally has long axle, short spline configurations. 1968 Beetle normally has long axle, long spline configurations.
Short Axle, Short Spline configurations has a total axle length of ( 26 5/8 Inches) and the spline length is ( 2 Inches)( 53 mm). Long Axle, Short Spline configurations has a total axle length of ( 27 7/8 Inches) and the spline length is ( 2 Inches)( 53 mm). Long Axle, Long Spline configurations has a total axle length of ( 28 3/8 Inches) and the spline length is ( 2 5/8 Inches)( 68 mm).
Short Axle bearing housings have a total length of ( 3 7/16 Inches)( 87 mm). Long Axle bearing housing have a total length of ( 4 5/8 Inches)( 117 mm).
Being able to measure these items, will identify what you have and will educate yourself on what brake kits you need to purchase, what wheels will fit and allow the PRO’s to do their job correctly when placing an order with them.
If your 1966-68 car is equipped with long axles, you can swap to a short axle application with axles, tubes and bearing caps and it will narrow the rear end of the vehicle 1.25 inches or 32 mm. Why does this matter? You now can have a deeper dish on the rear end creating style, look and curves to the overall stance of the vehicle.
The PRO’s are gathering information on all non US Spec Type 1 Beetles. If you have your car apart, bored and would like to let us know what you have for these lengths, please comment or email us at [email protected].
1962 South African LHD Beetle - Long Axle Long Spline Configuration
