How to adjust Beetle rear suspension VERY accurately. You don't know this!

We look at the rear suspension setup on a swing axle VW Beetle. Yes, time to do some more work on the Renault/VW Beetle project. And I break tradition by posting a video of the Renobug build on a Sunday! (at least here where I am) We learn how many splines there are on the torsion bars and how the spring plates fit. We also find out what the spring plate angle changes are per spline and then discover that it is possible to make changes to rear suspension of less than one degree!
#ratrodbuild #customfabrication #hotrod #ratrodsforafrica
Bolts & fasteners sponsored by Mesco Engineering Supplies.
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Sounds by www.zapsplat.com.
Music from KZbin Audio Library.

[@northidahoguy5549]

Any time you put out a video, I’m watching it for sure!

[@christopherarronglaum6191]

I like the map introduction. Good job.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@cayminlast]

"Hau Mlungu" you played a local radio station for your fans on KZbin, priceless! Thanks Boet, you have the 'best channel' with the most interesting content, educational and entertaining at the same time.

[@scottcates]

Is that Afrikaans?

[@cayminlast]

@@scottcates No not Afrikaans, Mlungu is 'White Man' , comes from the Xhosa language but is a generic term used by most indigenous people, it can be used in a derogatory way but not always.

[@scottcates]

@@cayminlast Thank you.

[@terrencebuller7676]

Hello Div, thanks for the lesson for adjusting the swing plates. Take care my friend. 👍

[@charleslawrence7194]

Went over my head but it made sense...I guess. Gonna enjoy the bonsus videos. Enjoyed the radio with all the rest. Like the new intro. Thumbs up my friend.

[@TheOldaz1]

A nice instructional and some progress, well done Div.

[@joecioe8566]

learning a lot about VW's Can't wait to see more.

[@davidweidner1675]

Thanks for the Bonus Video! Lekka Div

[@stefantrnacek1394]

You are spot on with the reason for the L and R markings on the torsion bars. We use torsion bars on the racecar and mark them up when new so that they only get used in that direction. A right rear can also be used in the left front as it turns in the same direction. You can even buy these neat swing arms with an external adjuster so you don't need to remove the arm to adjust.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Jack_Ratchet]

Great intro into the video, map is super cool.

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome evening brother from another country you are truly a master among masters !!! I have learned alot from you and your videos brother your gifts of talent are just awesome !!! And I understand that from trial and error you learn and you brother are a true genuine engineer I applaud you and say bravo 👏 bravo I stand with respect and honor to know you even if you are from another country and you only know me through my comments !!!! I will always remember your acknowledgement from my my comment about Johnny Cash and one piece at a time thank you so much for my moment of fame !!!! I would enjoy being a part of your patreon but unfortunately I have limited finances because I am a disabled veteran but I will continue to give positive comments because you remind me alot of my my late dad thank you as always for another awesome adventure brother from another country say hi to everyone for me and have a lekka one brothers

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother. I don't have patreon and all that. Your watching my stuff is support enough and appreciate that

[@robertstevison1448]

@ratrodsafrica I enjoy every video brother !!! The comraderie that you have with all of your friends is awesome it's difficult to find a friend like Wayne and the other just helping out when you need an extra pair of hands is awesome every video has a great story and adventure that makes me think about my dad and how he used to teach me the skills that you have mastered thanks again brother for bringing us along on your adventures keep them coming and in rust we trust have a lekka one brother and family and friends

[@dragontattooee]

Gotto love a bonus video and teaching us how to sort suspension an added bonus. Great video Div, have a lekka one

[@user-nb6nr6vm5i]

thanks teacher from forest uni learnt a lot'

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Yoo!! Boet, enjoyed the video as always even if it was shorter!! Im still battling sickness at the moment but enjoyed your video. When you shared the radio statiom I thought I heard Caesar Salad but I could be wrong 😂 I will be watching all the videos, regardless of length, topic, build etc, your videos always teach me something!! Talk in the next one boet!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks for your continued support! Hope you get better soon!

[@mikebeidelman6051]

Dif, I love the new intro. being a dirty OG Iam not proud nor ashamed to admit that I ENJOYED YOU GREASING THAT BUSH!

[@ratrodsafrica]

🤣

[@nom8er]

Thanks ! 👍

[@MattSeenUFO]

cheers big ears Love from Adalaide Matt

[@ericmodeen4164]

My assumption is that the right and left is based upon the cut of the gear, thumbs up on the twisted sister

[@ratrodsafrica]

No, splines are the same both sides. It has to do with the "set" of the spring steel.

[@shedbythetracks]

Thanks to you I'm learning more about VWs than I ever thought I would. I suppose I need a bug now so I don't waste all this knowledge. Cheers from the shed

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Tell you one thing, parts are affordable, engineering is simple but clever, custom options are many. And brings back so many good memories from the younger days!

[@stucook8622]

Thanks Div!🍺

[@sweetjessiethescoundrelscott]

NOTHING BETTER THAN A GREASY BUSH

[@ratrodsafrica]

🤣

[@dannystubblefield5478]

duff i enjoy watching you and rat rod bobs videos--thanks for your descriptions as you build

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like them! Thanks

[@chuckster6513]

Hey Div, I am so enjoying this build, It is bringing back so many memories of years gone by when I was learning about about and playing with VW's. Somehow more VW stuff has found it's way to my little part of the planet. So should I find myself with nothing else to do, I can learn it all over again ! Work Safe, Be well

[@ratrodsafrica]

I'm also reliving many memories with this build. Must be why I enjoy it so much!😀

[@rattedbug5003]

You should have been an engineering teacher. You missed your calling Diff.👍great stuff as always

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@gertandersen3609]

Bonus videos❤

[@eziotaddeo1726]

Hey Dif, gr8 bonus vid, keep them comin. Gr8 back round music, same for your intro theme, always lakka, cheers

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@hooligan_56labelle22]

🇨🇦 bonus videos A. Well bring them on. I'm watching

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

This is being a great build thank you!!

[@DonCatherman]

I used to get my vw parts from ,jc Whitney ...now I use cip 1..... Casey is my go to guy there...idk if the ship to Africa tho..😅..you can look them up n check....

[@familiadigionantoniomaldon3033]

excelente video, despeje mis dudas saludos desde Córdoba, Argentina

[@guajo1706]

Hey Div, from Texas. Love watching your videos. But just one thing, I don't like those hurricane that develop off the coast of Africa Lol

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Yes, lucky for us, they don't come down south

[@alanpaulick7815]

Boet definitely not a rock star but, definitely a rust star. Thanks for the Monday morning update.

[@willemgoudsmits5805]

Nice to see you so often. Good content. Saw this a while ago on the duckman’s channel.

[@bradpage8967]

The coating on the torsion bar is very important. If the coating gets scratched or the bar is rusted it has a higher chance of breakage. Though I have never had a failure because of it, I know of those who have.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, that is good feedback!

[@shanewright6958]

Looking good and another great video 👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@shloopter30]

Good info. I never used the inner splines. Also "lubricating your bush" in America means something complelty different. Lol!

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂👍

[@johnnicholls8721]

Seemed like a good idea at the time.......

[@strangecustoms8486]

So thats how they work ive got a soft spot for bugs 😁🇬🇸👍

[@williamerentfro9543]

Nice work.

[@williamerentfro9543]

Great work bro. Hello again from California. Nice math work 😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

Love that being of video, awsome and awsome video

[@garyyorke1080]

Hey diff a real bonus . Would be great to see the bug as a rolling chassis with the body back on ..wifey 😊😊would be ecstatic when it drives on its own the first time ..

[@ratrodsafrica]

Soon, soon, we will gave a roller!

[@johnnymac1580]

Better than nothing ⚡️

[@kjeldlarsen912]

Thank you good videos from you sir

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you like them! Thanks

[@jeffyates4813]

The steel in a torsion spring is twisted before the spring quench process is applied giving the steel a pre torsion, this gives the bar a direction of twist for spring. Reversing the bars can force the spring to break for over binding against the twist. The two spline differences is so you don’t put the bar in backwards also placing the twist in reverse to it’s natural direction.

[@jeffyates4813]

Back in the day drag racers used to paint a line on their axels and check them periodically for twist and when the line contorted to a certain point the axels were retired, this was a way to tell when the axels were on the verge of breaking.

[@MacPoop]

So why is one thicker than the other?

[@e-curb]

@@MacPoop The two bars are exactly the same diameter. The ones in the video above are 22mm.

[@e-curb]

The bars take on a "set" in use. Then when you take them apart years later, you have to replace them the same way, otherwise they will break when stressed the opposite direction.

[@MacPoop]

@@e-curb I dunno.. have had many sets of vw torsion rods show up 2 diff diameters for L and R. Leaf springs on pickups too

[@Hungry_Hunter]

Brilliant

[@daos3300]

you nailed it regarding the torsion bar L & R sides. they are high grade spring steel and take a set once in use. reversing them can lead to catastrophic failure, leaving you sitting by the road with broken, sagging rear suspension. probably not a desirable occurence while driving. and regarding the spline adjustment, it is amazing. the adjustability is theoretically infinite. it's a good idea to grease the torsion bars, this prevents rust which can also lead to failure.

[@peterroper7471]

Well now I know how to replace the bushings, I’ve never seen that part of the suspension taken apart on a VW before! I own a’68 beatle and part of a’73 lol

[@letsbefrank6269]

Hi Diff, I’ve lowered my 66 Beetle 2 1/2” in front, 2 splines in the rear, I found the rear end too bouncy, and the front too firm, so I returned it to stock, a much better ride on Australian roads. 😊

[@ratrodsafrica]

Lowering doesn't change spring rate, so other factors must have caused it?

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Awesome

[@ROBByJONEs-2]

its incredible how manufacturers nut out n design every nut n bolt precisely so we can just jump in n tear around the streets..ty for the education its very deep but interresting Div. cheers

[@ratrodsafrica]

After all these years, I'm still amazed by the amount of engineering and fabrication that it takes to produce a car! Just look at one single part and think about what it takes to make it... most people never think of these things 😅

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

That's cool ❤

[@raymondantonio4145]

Those VW’s had a lot of interesting features for back in the day! Very cool way of adjusting the torsion bars! Always enjoy watching your videos my brother! Have a awesome week!

[@DonCatherman]

😎👍👋,,,,,,I learned something today..thanks Diff... Have a great day brother....

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

I used to be a ASE certified steering and suspension technician and I'm no Volkswagen expert I do know that to properly dial in your alignment you need the body mounted to add the recommended weight to the driver and passenger side of the vehicle as Volkswagen recommends, but what you just schooled us on in your video is spot on. Good job my friend!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you brother!

[@103erik]

Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

[@eddiealford3579]

I have always enjoyed your videos and been subscribed for some time now it a video comes across I have to watch it but keep up the good work and I have enjoyed getting to see some of the counting which you live very good my friend till next time

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Yes 👍🥂😁

[@user-fw9se3gn1b]

Thank you for the lesson Professor!

[@donolbers]

Great stuff Div, im all caught up now 😊

[@heliarche]

Bushing or bush, I know what you mean. I'm still going to chuckle when you say you've got to grease your bush though!

[@ratrodsafrica]

😁👍

[@bobbyjones2363]

Twisted Sister

[@1crazypj]

I haven't been following along but as I had several Beetles in the early 80's I remember some of the things your doing. I still have my 1970 1300 (unless my brother sold it since I moved to USA) Left hand drive cars are kinda interesting to drive in Britain when overtaking stationary bus picking up passengers (I had later 1303 at the time but forget what the other two were) I had a couple of Citroen 1300's, great engine (flat 4, OHC) never did get around to trying engine/gearbox in Beetle though Also had several Alfa Romeo AlfaSud's, one was a South African Rally Special, no idea how it got from S.A. to Britain? Had kinda 'thing' for flat fours 😁 When you said it's strange to think we are same age as old people, I can relate to that 😎 The first time you cut front beam into pieces to lower it is kinda scary but the second one is easy. I think it's waste of money fitting adjustable lowering after doing first one as I never adjusted mine after it was set and could measure how fat the front torsion spring holder had been rotated On the rear, the Vernier adjustment isn't as difficult as people seem to think. Pretty sure Urethane bushings are still available or, you may be able to buy urethane to cast up your own? I remember you can't use Nylon or other plastics as they need to have some flex. Just subscribed

[@ratrodsafrica]

Welcome to my shop!🙂

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Great video, Div, I learned something new today. How to set up the torsion bar rear end of a VW.

[@MacPoop]

I think VW went with asymmetrical torsion bars to counteract torque from the engine for the same reason a lot of RWD vehicles have unequal/asymmetrical springs in the back (you might have 3 leaves on one side but 2 on the other you see this a lot in small trucks)

[@scottcates]

I does seem to be a asymmetrical reason🤔

[@e-curb]

The torsion bars in a VW are identical, left and right.

[@scottcates]

@@e-curb It would seem to be the case and yet why would VW make two different part numbers, marked "L" and "R?"

[@e-curb]

@@scottcates Because if you put a left bar on the right side, it will break. They need to be marked because most mechanics wouldn't think to mark them when they are removed. Axles are not marked. With an axle from a swing axle car, you can tell which side it was on by looking at the spade end's wear. Either way, the stress on an axle is microscopic compared to the continuous stress on a torsion bar.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dimensionally they are exactly the same.

[@carloscasselli9392]

Good vídeos. In Brazil VW Beetle ( Fusca) is bucha

[@jamesduke4957]

In Mexico is called Vocho ... So you watch Diane Pimenta ?

[@gazzafloss]

Div, it certainly 'makes me happy' to see your progress on the Renobug project. More importantly though, is Wifey happy? I had those 'swing arms' backed right down on the back of my old '59 bug, low and slow, plenty of neg camber. Combined with a weakened front torsion pack on the bottom beam and pretty well none in the top beam, 8" rims, she was very 'Chubby Limbo Checker", (how low can you go?).

[@ratrodsafrica]

Well, still getting good meals 😅

[@frankmarsh115]

thanks never knew that

[@donames6941]

I love a bonus. Let's do it. Besides, i need a brake from cutting grass

[@jerryshelton1481]

The right and left question probably has to do with how the torsion bars are made cause they may only be able to twist one way without breaking easily

[@apere003]

I wish parts where cheaper so I could speed up my project ...1987 Chevy V10 pickup....slow progress

[@ratrodsafrica]

That a huge benefit of playing with Beetles, the parts are affordable!

[@dennisschoenfelder5242]

torsion bars are a spiral steel bar, correct way they tighten, wrong way they uncoil. Hope I explained that correctly.

[@ratrodsafrica]

That just makes sense in a way. Thanks for the feedback

[@Goz-The-Greek]

Are you enjoying the power in your shop now , Has it eased the pain of the daily grind?

[@donaldhalls2189]

I've been told Springs are rated differently for the camber of the road?but,thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones, Have a Lekka one

[@ratrodsafrica]

Same spring rating both sides, but the fine adjustment can allow for road camber setting

[@Mustsed]

The Renault body must be a lot lighter then the VW body!?!?!? If my memory serves me right, i did to notches before the lip which came almost to stock hight with a bit lower. If we had to put non stock bigger engines in these cars, the bushings were changed to delrin made ones which made the rear noticable stiffer. Back then, the best way to lower these beettles was to use lowering plates that we cut off in the shop to retain the full suspension travel. Can't wait to see that renault on the road. Thanks Div for taking us with you.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, lighter for sure. I will experiment with the settings once all the body weight is in place

[@gizmodietsch3922]

Aloha! I must say, I do like the new intro to your videos! Always worth a watch to see what you come up with next! Keep it up!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@kingearl2596]

Why marked left and right? Quite simply: these torsion bars were forged in a spiral shape so that they are more resistant in one direction. If they are swapped, the suspension becomes too soft. Greatings from Austria (no Kangaroos).

[@ratrodsafrica]

That makes sense. Thanks for the feedback

[@hedwigleemans6249]

You better change those bushings I think - my rear tires suffered and too much play makes track calibration difficult… they are easy to get in europe - can send you some

[@ratrodsafrica]

I will probably change them later. For now, I just want it back on its feet 🙂 Thanks for the offer!

[@brianmcelvogue3370]

they are pre stressed a certain direction and would just keep unwinding is put on the wrong side

[@ronlamaster9301]

Good job Div. But there is to much shine stuff for an old rust bucket guy like you. 😄🤣

[@ratrodsafrica]

Hey, this one's for the wife. They like a bit of shine😁

[@jodycopeland1]

Hey Diff Does those copper rings around your wrist help with arthritis and tendinitis?

[@ratrodsafrica]

Well, I don't have arthritis, so maybe it does?😅 I've heard people say it helps

[@antiochman8222]

I was thinking just yesterday that I must have missed the bit about the adjustment of the rear suspension! A question- is there enough play to raise the suspension so that you run higher or is that the standard setting so you need modify the stop lug if you want to increase ground clearance?

[@e-curb]

The angle range of the axle in the side gear of the diff is only slightly more than the suspension range. If you modify the suspension stops, you will destroy the side gears in the diff.

[@ratrodsafrica]

With the stock Beetle setup, the swing plate sits a distance away from the stop when the car is on its wheels. Back in the day, we would go down a spline or two the get more ground clearance. The danger with that is that you get more positive camber which could result in a flip over when you corner hard. The wheel "tucks" in, and over you go. I learned that the hard way when I rolled my first Baja in the 80's. So, just a little positive camber at most. Larger tyres are the best way to get more clearance

[@antiochman8222]

Thanks - great story.

[@antiochman8222]

Thanks, that’s a good point.

[@bernielowe3709]

It was great hearing that. I speak the language. ❤😊

[@scottcates]

Is that Afrikaans, sir?

[@ratrodsafrica]

No, it's Xhosa. One of the black languages.

[@robertwilliams8010]

👍💯

[@ronjohnstonaustralia2417]

I keep a box of facial tissues on the bench to clean my hands off. No contamination on shop rags !

[@fabbricaitalianaautomobili5859]

Hey hey hey my uncle, let's go play

[@matslindahl7252]

🤜🤛

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

It's not a dumb question if you don't know the answer, right? I'm wondering if the sockets at the inner ends of the axles are in one solid piece, or separate, making independent suspension. In their day, Beetles were common as dirt around here, but I didn't pay much attention.

[@e-curb]

The inner splined anchor is one piece. Same as the front. The VW has 4 wheel independent suspension.

[@ratrodsafrica]

It's a solid piece welded into the tube. But the suspension is independently already.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

@@e-curb Thanks. I should have realized that, there being two separate torsion bars.

[@stephenandloriyoung5716]

@@ratrodsafrica Yes - obvious, when you think of it, which I didn't enough.

[@dsc420247]

😂 Watch out covering your fingers and bush with grease!! 😜😜

[@ratrodsafrica]

😂 Slippery slidy fun!🤣

[@garymallard4699]

🇨🇦🤓🤟

[@e-curb]

Greasing the rubber bushings is a bad idea. The grease will attack the rubber. That's why VW didn't grease them to begin with.

[@ratrodsafrica]

It's red rubber grease, specifically for use with rubber parts. Different to normal grease that can attack rubber

[@e-curb]

@@ratrodsafrica Ahh! That sounds like silicon based grease, not petroleum based.

[@stevepeyton9073]

If you swap bars left for right the earth will change its rotation and the sun will rise in the west

[@ratrodsafrica]

🤣 So when that happens one day, you will know I tried it!

[@jamesduke4957]

When are you coming to southern California to help me finish restoring my 1961 VW Bug !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Buy me ticket and I'm there!😅