1958-68 Volkswagen Beetle Swing Axle - Axle Shaft and Axle Tube Removal -Franken Beetle Build

[@kaganos71]

7:15 "Probably should be wearing gloves. Pretty grody man." I was having a very bad day. I laughed so hard. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos, it keeps me working on my 68!

[@VWJawbreaker]

See, now I’m glad that I posted this video. I know I’m not the smartest or the funniest but at least I’m just being me. Thank you for sharing this with me, this is a prime example of what helps keep me motivated. Have a great rest of the week and stay safe.

[@mcdanielsmotorwerks423]

That went very well, I’m glad I was able to give you a few pointers. Keep putting out the great content.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m so thankful for your insight, I’d be lost without it!!

[@mcdanielsmotorwerks423]

@@VWJawbreaker we have to prop each other up in order to be a strong family.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@mcdanielsmotorwerks423 amen to that brother.

[@PL-tm1tq]

Never in 36 years have I taken off the side covers to remove axles, just the way I've learned but good to see someone else's way.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I was informed after that the side covers didn’t need to be removed..... now I know for sure!

[@jamesdotson4363]

31 years for me and I was scratching my head on that. He calls the fulcrum plates shim packs, those snap ring pliers, LOL! I suggest the Robert Bentley official VW repair manuals dude.

[@capnspicy5565]

Wow, Another great video, I like the "how to" vids, that was nice of McDaniel's to help ya out!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

He’s like a brother from another mother. We help each other out with whatever we can.

[@mikebriere7531]

Nice video . Went thru this last fall when I had Rancho build me a trans. Just got my Jawbreaker coffee mug - used it this morning. Amazing how much better my instant coffee tastes !!

[@VWJawbreaker]

I almost went with them for my trans but found this guy highly recommended to me and he’s a small shop up north. I’d rather give him my business. I’m glad to hear your coffee tastes better now! Have a great week my friend and stay safe.

[@vintagespeedvw7864]

Transmission world!! I’m learning myself. That big c-clip is a pain for sure. Good video.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’ve an irs person, I have very little experience with swing axle stuff. I almost converted this over to irs, found this 68 swing axle instead.

[@vintagespeedvw7864]

@@VWJawbreaker make sure to keep the driver side axle marked and replaced on the driver side. Same on the passenger side. They develop a twist over time. If you switch them they can break especially with more power added.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@vintagespeedvw7864 someone else said something similar before I tore it down. Right side axle is marked along with the fulcrum plates, etc from that side in a bag. Same with the left side. Figured I’d play it safe and Mark everything lol

[@VWLifeVW]

Super Clean!!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’ve only been sitting on it since your video 😂

[@HogMan2022]

Great video! Very helpful, thank you very much. 🙋👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for your comment 👍 Have a great day!

[@deanrobinson3717]

Excellent again as usual Gary 😊

[@VWJawbreaker]

Why thank you sir!

[@TheEZGZ]

I have a pile of C clip pliers. Some I even filed grooves so they would hang on. Great Job on the vid. I have 11 transmissions taking up space in my garage. I'm going to start on them tomorrow. hehehehe Seems like I have been saying that for a few years. hehehe

[@VWJawbreaker]

Seems there’s always the perfect tool for the particular item… favorite screw driver for that one size screw head, favorite clip pliers for different style clips…. Can’t never have too many tools! You should get out and at least mess with one or two of them!

[@johnfreeman1189]

Fantastic episode!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir.

[@alkennedy1124]

Just subscribed, I love this stuff I too have a couple of ol VW powered buggy’s , thanks BigAl California.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you Big Al, appreciate the support! Hope you enjoy the channel and stick around for a while. 🤙

[@GoodOldMike]

Crushing it.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Trying to!

[@jimlester5003]

Good morning Gary! I was surprised that you didn't hear me yelling, "the spring clip pliers are flexing!" lol Thanks for another great video. I've got to do the same to mine at some point. The tranny on the trike is all low end. I need to get the gearing changed. I know there are places I can send it to and they will send me another one. Time will tell. Thank you for being you my friend! Jim

[@VWJawbreaker]

Those pliers worked their butt off lol Apparently according to others the side plate doesn’t need to come off to pull the axles. We all learn together! Have a great day my friend and stay safe.

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

Nice work and hopefully it will be a good gearbox to rebuild. 👍👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

That’s why I sent it to the expert, let them make it what it needs to be. Have a safe week my friend.

[@oversplodegarage41]

That second side is always easier! Good info on taking things apart!

[@VWJawbreaker]

It’s always easier the second time!

[@ChipsAndSparksGarage]

Looks like it’s in pretty good shape. Nice walk-through on the disassembly. I’ll be saving that, for future reference.👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Luckily I had a run down by a buddy, this is my first swing axle trans lol

[@TalonsKrafts]

Loving the highly technical terms: unky-gunky, drippy-drippy, cleany-cleany! Love it! LOL! Now I gots me some new vocabulary.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I have to stay on my toes... people keep stealing my special words 😂

[@matthewchilders5263]

Great video! Thanks 😁

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you for being here! 🤙👊

[@VolksStokes]

Learning a lot from your videos. Thank you!!!! And yes; we will never learn if we don’t break it apart 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’m no expert, just a guy sharing what he’s doing in the garage.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

That did look a little poopy inside. But then again, these transmissions are very old. Nice disassemble a video. They sent me the super clean, I never did a video yet. 🙄😁 Great video brother!

[@VWJawbreaker]

A very old transmission that’s probably never been apart.... another reason it’s being built to handle the task. Just do one when you can, they understand.

[@SladesVWBeetle]

@@VWJawbreaker But like you said in the video, you don’t want to get all excited and go down the road then boom! You’re doing it the right way brother but you already know that. I’m excited about this project for you.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@SladesVWBeetle thanks brother! Just like you would do, do it right the first time.

[@royworks28]

That was a very informative video. Can’t believe how easy the brake hubs came off .I’m not use to that.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I was shocked as well.... they sat outside for quite a while before I got it.

[@OFFAxisBuilds]

Nice job

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man.

[@richpeacock5768]

Looks like those products work well. I usually just use purple cleaner. The transmission build sounds pretty cool. More clues as to where the 60 is going. Thanks Gary.

[@VWJawbreaker]

They did work really well, better than wasting brake cleaner 😂 I’m starting to get excited about the build again, hoping to get back into the garage soon. Have a great week my friend and stay safe.

[@VWRICH23]

Had to catch up today on your vid lol..i was at a job interview yesterday

[@VWJawbreaker]

Hope the interview went well for ya!

[@VWRICH23]

@@VWJawbreaker ill find out soon 👌

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@VWRICH23 🤞

[@type4revolutionstudio]

Looking good nice job getting it clean. FYI no need to remove side covers to take off C clip and axles . Extra step not required esp at reassembly.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Good to know.

[@type4revolutionstudio]

@@VWJawbreaker Removed for insp purpose only to show view of crud inside . .....

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@type4revolutionstudio the builder got a good view of it before he tore into it. I’ll keep it in mind for reassembly, thanks.

[@type4revolutionstudio]

@@VWJawbreaker Kool man I take it that's a 12 volt 200mm bellhousing . 6volt trans are junk outside of factory 💯 restoration. FYI dual side cover IRS trans will work for a good core also their all 12 volt 200mm and plenty out there. What kind of front nose cone mount on that 60 chassis that's a crazy year some adaption required there on pan ..... Curious

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@type4revolutionstudio it’s a 68 trans and long axle combo, so yeah 200mm bell housing. I wasn’t about to deal with the smaller bell housing. Builder said he has the nose cone part covered.

[@AlanDavid1955]

HEY GARY , DROPPED OFF THE NEW GAS TANK TO GET MODIFIED TO FIT UNDER THE HOOD ! HE JUST CALLED IT'S READY THAT WAS FAST ! PUT A NEW RADIO IN , CLEANED UP THE BRAKE ROTORS , WHERE THE SPEEDO WAS I COULDN'T SEE IT ( WAS BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL , THAT WASN'T SMART ) SO I SWITCHED THE TACH AND PUT THE SPEEDO IN IT'S PLACE ! TOMORROW I'LL PICK THE TANK UP AND INSTALL IT , I SHOULD HAVE IT READY FOR THE EVENT ! HAVE A GREAT DAY ALAN

[@VWJawbreaker]

Good to hear it’s all coming together!

[@2GuysandaBug]

Awesome, need to try some of that super clean over here. Transmissions always scared me. I am a little less scared now. At least to the point of being able to send it out to someone. :)

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’ll try to save ya a bottle of it. This is about as far as I’ll go with a transmission, I don’t have the knowledge or tools for them.

[@Slick56]

Good video. Quite obvious as to why vw went away from the swingaxle so much work to get it pulled out of there. And it is nice to be able to roll a car when the engine and trans are out. Those look like type 3 or 1968 bug axles they have the longer axles, and wider bearing housings than earlier cars. Not sure if matters in your build plans but defiantly could help for clearance or fitting a wide tire on deep rim on the back.

[@VWJawbreaker]

This is the most work I’ve done with a swing axle so far, most everything else has been IRS. Good eye sir, this is a 68 trans and axles! Wanted it for the build, figured it would be better.

[@doginu]

Swing axle transmissions simple 6 axle bolts, 2 nuts front mount, 2 27mm frame horn, 2 shock bolts. Dealing with CV bolts take time....Solid rear mount with shopping cart wheels to move you ride

[@EmmettRacing]

Nice video Gary! I see you like using chrome sockets on your impact as well 👀 😈

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yeah, grabbed the wrong one.... rushing cause filming was making me run out of time 🙄

[@markforbes2445]

Trying to figure out what the small hole between the drain plugs in the case is

[@VWJawbreaker]

On the bottom of the transaxle?

[@bedlamite42]

One thing I noticed right away, the axle boots were previously installed wrong. The seam should be on the front or rear, not the top of bottom. The seam does not flex as easily during suspension travel, and when it's on the top or bottom it has a tendency to tear the boot sooner.

[@VWJawbreaker]

That’s what I learned recently. I’ve always seen them installed the other way, hope I remember to install them correctly when it’s time for reassembly!

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker the seams go at 1 o’clock on the right side and at 11 o’clock on the left side.

[@brianchisnell1548]

My '64 owners manual clearly states. Apply sealant to the seam, put the nuts on top for ease of tightening the screws, point the seam to the rear and tighten the clamps. Bad info is being spread by backyard mechanics.

[@cyprianskiba8768]

Have you ever had to separate the axle tube from the axle bearing housing?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I have not.

[@jnwhrt13]

Where is your reassembly video for this trans ?

[@VWJawbreaker]

When I reassembled the chassis on the Sickxty. There’s a play list for that build.

[@markatr6]

...the ONE thing i needed to see ( at 12:25 ) was getting that axle cover OFF! mine wont budge, what DID you do to loosen it off camera? ive sprayed & tapped it for days now, i really dont want to break it off....

[@VWJawbreaker]

Just took a lot of tapping to get it loose.

[@markatr6]

@@VWJawbreaker ok thanks,! ill just have to get my tap shoes and git back to it....

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@markatr6 haha! Thanks, I needed a laugh after the day I had.

[@markforbes2445]

How come on the bottom of my transaxle case I have two drain plugs plus another little hole in the middle

[@VWJawbreaker]

Some transaxles have 2 drain plugs, not uncommon at all. Not sure what other hood you’re taking about.

[@anonymous-tn6ij]

Beat on cast metal with a steel hammer

[@MariusvanderWalt1]

Question: I am getting transmission oil coming out my drive shaft tube at my drum ends. I replaced the outer seal and new drive shafts. How is the tranny oil getting out?

[@VWJawbreaker]

There should also be a spacer / washer and 2 o-rings that should be replaced. Also, I use a little bit of sealant on the paper gaskets during assembly.

[@TimsWorkshopTJY]

Hi Gary, Interesting video. I never took one of these apart so I know how if needed someday. Awhile back someone was giving one away for free. I don't have a bug but thought it would make a interesting video. By the time I gave it some thought it was gone. Looking out for one still. It would be cool to see what Bill uses to beef this one up?

[@VWJawbreaker]

This is as far as I’ve ever been into a VW transmission..... I don’t plan on going any further either lol He’s basically building me a pro street trans with custom gearing for the tires that I’ll be running. He was nice and took the time to ask how the car will be used, approx engine hp, tire diameter, etc to make sure it’s built to handle what I can throw at it.

[@michaelschmidt4618]

I just subscribed to you

[@VWJawbreaker]

I appreciate that, hopefully you’ll find some useful info here and there.

[@richardnott9587]

Who is dying the transmission? How much to rebuild?

[@VWJawbreaker]

B&D Performance in Michigan rebuilt it to a custom pro street transmission for my application. Price is dependent on what you need done and prices have gone up since this video.

[@vayabroder729]

Whatever you do, when putting on the axles back on the rebuilt unit, by all means use the axle flange stiffeners such as offered by EMPI and others. These come with longer studs for you to replace those on the transmission. Make sure the flanges are as straight as possible and use Permatex Aviation Sealer on both sides of the paper gaskets/spacers and use a thick bead of gear oil resistant sealer all around the perimeter of the flange making sure to cover all around the studs. Make sure to resist the temptation to over torque (don’t go over 14 ft/lbs). Also follow the instructions for the sealant, which most times will call for just tightening the flange (add the stiffeners too) until the sealant oozes out; wait an hour and then torque to spec and give it 24 hours before refilling with the new gear oil. Do this and your axle flanges won’t leak. Ask me how I know.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Sound advice, thank you for that! I actually took a screen shot and filed it in a saved folder so hopefully I remember. Thank you for taking the time to type all of that out, I appreciate it.

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker this is the one: www.amazon.com/Empi-16-9906-Cover-Retainer-Buggy/dp/B00BYHFV20

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@vayabroder729 thanks for the link! Do you think I’ll need these even with HD side plates? I’m having a custom pro street trans built for this car.

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker the side plate is one component while the axle tube and flange is the one that connects to it. If using the stock axle tubes and flanges you will more than likely need them. These flanges get dimpled around the holes as a result of over torquing. Very common. Best way to use them is make sure they’re as straight as possible by removing the dimples and then using the stiffeners and installing as previously suggested. We had to install the rebuilt transaxle in a friend’s car twice for gear oil leaks until we used this method. The leaks are now gone.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@vayabroder729 excellent info, thank you for taking the time to share your experience! Like I say in my videos, I’m not an expert but we can all learn together.

[@alkennedy1124]

Proline truck and trailer wash and wax will take that ol crust right off with out a brush , it will melt it right off cleaned ol truck grease right down to melting it right odd , and when your done with it it looks like it is wet afte4 it is dry , lol nice thanks BigAl California praise Jesus Christ grace amen 🙏 .

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’ll look into it, thanks.

[@Fastvw1]

I have to say thats the first time i have ever watched some one pull the side covers to remove the axle's.. I assume the rebuilder will be installing the tubes and axle's

[@VWJawbreaker]

Correct, the builder is setting all of that up.

[@Golden-ui5um]

What's a cost estimate to have this transaxle built? I got the 2110 running way better (thanks for the tips you and a couple others gave me) But now the gearbox started making a low, dull sounding noise. I'm hoping it's the Axle bearing but preparing for worse just in case. It's got very low gears in it, especially 3rd and 4th and the previous owner told me he bought it from Rancho? Not 100% sure where exactly but definitely not stock. Working on my car is a lot more fun having videos to learn from and get ideas to try so thanks!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Best bet would be to look around your area and see if anyone can recommend someone to rebuild the gearbox. Rancho out of CA are pretty good and if that gearbox is good with the current engine, it would probably be cheaper to have that one shipped out and freshened up vs having one built. There’s reparable companies all over, unfortunately it will involve shipping your box. The large black and yellow totes at Homedepot work well.

[@Golden-ui5um]

@@VWJawbreaker yeah I'll definitely have to ship it, I live in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@Golden-ui5um large husky tote and ups label will get it anywhere.

[@tonypachanga9636]

Is that one is the freeway flyer ?

[@VWJawbreaker]

No, it’s just a stock transmission.

[@ATruckCampbell]

From brake to brake how wide is it?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Which one? There a long axle and short axle version.

[@ATruckCampbell]

@@VWJawbreaker I don't know, I am planning on using 68 or 70s Beetle gear for a buggy project and I need some dimensions for the plans.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@ATruckCampbell 68 was the last year of the swing axle setup. You’d be better off going with an IRS setup from 69 on.

[@ATruckCampbell]

@@VWJawbreaker Alright, and how wide are those IRS? I am trying to keep the size down.

[@cyprianskiba8768]

What type of puller is that?

[@VWJawbreaker]

It’s a homemade 2 jaw puller. You should be able to find something similar.

[@dillyd3488]

That would be sweet if you ran reduction boxes...

[@VWJawbreaker]

The thought did cross my mind.... didn’t find any locally 🤷‍♂️

[@hhfilmsyt]

Hey quick question how fast can you go with a stock VW Beetle trans my brothers is a 1963

[@VWJawbreaker]

It will depend on many other factors.

[@1960bluebug]

A '63 stock condition, 1200 engine, can hit 70 MPH floored level ground. However, due to design of VW beetle of this early era , exceeding 60 mph is not recommended for extended period of time.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@1960bluebug good to know, thanks!!

[@antaklugom7389]

put a Hard Wood on the Side Cover's potruding metal and Hit the Wood with a Hammer. Never try to Pry open a joint part with ScrewDriver....! You will chipped off the Side Cover...!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Excellent tip, I appreciate that.

[@AlanDavid1955]

HEY GARY I STOPPED DOWN TO SEE YOUR FRIEND IN DAYTONA AND HE SAYS YOU NEED A NEW GAS TANK WHICH YOU AND I KNEW ! THEN HE WAS TRYING TO SELL ME A USED TANK , I SAID I HAVE IT ALL APART WHY WOULD I PUT A USED TANK IN ? ANYWAY I'M GOING TO ORDER ONE ! AND GET IT MODIFIED FOR THE HOLE THAT'S IN MY HOOD ! I'M CLEANING UP THE ROTORS AND ANYTHING THAT'S DIRTY ! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO ALAN

[@VWJawbreaker]

He sells new and used parts, maybe he was just trying to save ya a few bucks. Have a good week and be safe out there.

[@AlanDavid1955]

THAT'S WHAT HE SAID , SOME PEOPLE RATHER SAVE A FEW DOLLARS , BUT FOR THIS I'M GOING TO TREAT THE INSIDE AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER , I CAN'T WAIT !

[@sheldonjr7hp]

So if this Frankenkäfer is getting Jawbreakers Powerplant is Jawbreaker in for a new 2332 😲.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Unfortunately no, jawbreaker will get a spare parts engine build of a whopping 1641cc’s 😂

[@sheldonjr7hp]

@@VWJawbreaker nothing wrong with that. I’m gonna pull my 1641 and pull it down. Do a little port work and put my custom valve job on the heads. Not sure if I want to stick with the stock cam or not. Put my Centermount Dellorto in it and see how it does.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@sheldonjr7hp honestly that’s a good thing with these engines. Not much to them so worse case pull it down and swap things around again.

[@sheldonjr7hp]

Not gonna lie been pondering a fly cutter set up for my Mill and just bumping it up a tick to 94mm 😲. But I think I can make my ol 1641 run good enough to make me happy and pull some fuel economy. As long as it’s loud lol. My first fix it ticket was for loud exhaust. 🙀

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@sheldonjr7hp 94’s and a mild cam you’d still get good milage.... wish I had the knowledge and access for a mill, etc. I’ll just stick to basic hand tools and things that make fire 😂

[@ocavant]

Brass hammer bro. I'm not a fan of those dual-purpose circlip pliers. You can see the copper ends flexing as you apply force. No wonder they would not stay on the clip.

[@VWJawbreaker]

I appreciate that, using what I have here.

[@ocavant]

@@VWJawbreaker 👍 sometimes you’ve got to use what ya got.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@ocavant yes sir!!

[@johnflynn9463]

View # 44 at 12:34 PM on 3/10/21 - NJ..yada..yada..yada...lol

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks for being here and yada, yada, yada 😂

[@sabithfatha6963]

Hey hey waddup my dear