US Dollars
Lower Your Classic VW Type 2 Bus the Right Way
Daily driver, slammed or air: pick the drop that fits how you'll use the Bus, so it drives right instead of ending up in the classifieds.
Three ways to lower a Bus
Why lowered Buses end up in the classifieds
Most owners build for how the Bus looks when they step out and look back at it. It can look fantastic and still ride so badly the family stops wanting to take it anywhere. That's when it shows up for sale.
We tell every client the same thing: make a menu of what you want from the Bus and how you'll drive it. Picking up donuts on Saturday morning, or trailered to shows? Slammed is king. Taking the family camping at Mt. Shasta but still want it low and cool? Daily Driver Status is the right direction.
The drop most people should do
3.5″ dropped spindles up front, and either a straight axle conversion or an IRS conversion in the rear, which drops the rear about 4″. Update the wheels and tires for better drivability and looks, fit quality shocks (not KYBs), and you're done. The ride stays like stock because, in theory, nothing that affects the torsions changed. Good handling, an enjoyable drive, and it doesn't break the bank.
The pros and cons, part by part
Dropped spindles, a 4″ narrowed beam, poly beam bushings, a raised steering box, tubbed front fenders, seats cut down to fit, KYBs on all four corners, and a Daily Driver–style rear with the torsions adjusted down. Here's how each piece really works out:
| Part | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Dropped spindles | Pro | You can't beat them. |
| 4″ narrowed beam | Con | Removes 4″ of torsion leaf (2″ a side) to tuck the wheels or offset brakes that add track. The suspension stiffens, and the ride is terrible. |
| Poly beam bushings | Con | Opinions vary. Poly is the bottom of the barrel, bearings are middle of the road, Delrin is top of the line. |
| Raised steering box | Con | You have to cut the Bus so the box doesn't hit the ground. |
| Wheel tubs | Con | Cutting up an old Bus devalues it badly, and the seats get modified to fit, which hurts ride quality. |
| KYB shocks | Con | A high-pressure gas shock on a suspension that's already lost 4″ of torsion makes a rough ride worse. A Cofap or Boge oil shock, or a Ridetech adjustable, rides best. |
| Adjusted torsions | Pro / Con | A standard straight axle or IRS install gives about 4″ with the notched plates (pro). Go lower and you either notch the plates more (unsafe) or bottom out on the spring perches (bumpy). |
The best of both worlds
Air ride gives you great ride, handling and performance without a narrowed beam, a steering box raise, wheel tubs or KYB shocks. The torsions aren't used anymore, front or rear; you ride completely on air. Momma will be in love with the Bus again. We've seen it.
Talk to a PRO about air ride for your Bus, or start in the Air Ride hub.