How To Install VW Swing Axles, Kafer Bar & MORE - SICKXTY - Volksrod - Baja / Franken Build 37

Todays video we are installing the axles, axle tubes, seals, axle bearings and axle boots onto the swing axle transmission or gearbox for the 1960 Volkswagen beetle project called the Sickxty.
We will also be installing a Kafer bar or Rear Chassis Horn Torque Bar. This will help stiffen the rear and support the frame horns.
I'm also installing an Empi mid transmission mount and will show what tweaks were needed.
Thank you for watching.
Please like, comment, share and follow along!
www.VWJAWBREAKER.com
Check out my web site for T-shirts, merch, links to other great KZbin channels and supporters of VWJawbreaker!
A portion of all proceeds made via KZbin are being donated to Charity! 100%of the Merch, Amazon and YesWelder proceeds are also being donated to charity!
It’s just another way for me to help give back to others and pay it forward.
YESWELDER Link to savings!
yeswelder.com/?ref=vwjawbreaker
Use coupon code VWJAWBREAKER at checkout for 10% off!
VW Engine Tools, audio video stuff, etc. Amazon Affiliate link below:
www.amazon.com/shop/VwJawbreaker
🔷Other great channels to follow in no particular order:
Levi’s Backyard kzbin.info/door/WFE...
2 Guys and a Bug kzbin.info/door/ltu...
McDaniel’s Motor Werks kzbin.info/door/JXn...
Roy Works kzbin.info/door/UxP...
Chips & Sparks Garage kzbin.info/door/Qos...
Rob Stapleton - FabWorx / goxtreme1
Slades VW Beetle kzbin.info/door/Dsd...
Vintage Speed VW kzbin.info/door/Ess...
Haptic Garage kzbin.info/door/_tm...
VeeDub p8 kzbin.info/door/fZD...
5150MXVW / swadmx
Rob Sannes kzbin.info/door/cVu...
Bonus67 kzbin.info/door/8xY...
Emmitt Racing kzbin.info/door/KD-...
Mustie1 / mustie1
Marcijunebug / marcijun. .
Jw Classic VW kzbin.info/door/Sr2...
VolkswagenPlanet kzbin.info/door/IJ-...
Busman 54 kzbin.info/door/bl1...
Big W Adventures kzbin.info/door/8xp...
E-Man Deluxe kzbin.info/door/S36...
Milage Unknown kzbin.info/door/xum...
VW Darrin / vwdarrin
EzGz / theezgz
CT kzbin.info/door/_93...
Good old Mike / michaelw. .
Vané Pinstriping / vanepins. .
DuckmanCycles and VW garage / duckmanc. .
VW Nut 1967 kzbin.info/door/TT9...
VvTheDuck vV kzbin.info/door/fNb...
Froslife & Just Buggin / froslifejustbugginrest...
THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
ANY alterations YOU make to YOUR vehicle are YOUR responsibility!
I am not liable for your workmanship on your car.
VWJawbreaker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Any information on performing modifying or maintaining your vehicle seen on this channel is intended for general guidance only and must never be considered a substitute for the advice provided by a Certified Professional

[@backyardkombi5466]

So glad you did not forget the little rubber doohickey!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Life would be ruined without it 😂

[@thehammah8444]

I like that you show your whoops... we learn more from them... the pan looks great! and that transmission! NICE!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I have nothing to hide. We all make mistakes and we all learn from each other!

[@greggbrown0]

Looking good... when I work I tend to drop wrenches and such, just couldn't ware flip flops in my garage.LoL

[@VWJawbreaker]

Haha, I do the same but I’ve learned to keep my feet clear lol

[@mikeg8828]

Great job, and appreciate showing the mistake, I was like oh crap did I do mine wrong.

[@VWJawbreaker]

We all make mistakes, I’m no different!

[@sheldonjr7hp]

Anything worth doing once is worth doing it several times. Looking good!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

As another channel says…. We do it right because we do it twice. 😂😂

[@jimmywilkinson9190]

It is getting gooder and gooder!!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yes sir, I’m kicking ass and taking names!

[@williamtanner1372]

For parts of the car that you won't see much of, It sure is pretty. My excitement for this project grows with each video.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir and I agree… you won’t see most of it but at least I know I did what I could to preserve things and make it last.

[@AD-if2sv]

Job well done makin me want to get after mine Seeing the ratchet was worth the whole video. Reminds all of us of the acrobatics you have to go through when you dont have the right tool

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[@eduardorodriguez3262]

Oh man...makes me wanna start a new project👍 Great work Gary

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man!

[@VWBEETLEOVAL1955]

O Gary the fun part has started and it’s fun to see the big changes already. That will be a heck off a ride mate.looking good👍👍👍👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I’m excited to be making this progress and to be at this point finally. Once this is done I have to get back onto the body.

[@2GuysandaBug]

That looks awesome. Won't be long till she is a rolling chassis.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir… hope to have it a roller by the end of the month!

[@2GuysandaBug]

@@VWJawbreaker sweet, we can come push you around it. :)

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@2GuysandaBug lemme bleed the brakes first!!

[@2GuysandaBug]

@@VWJawbreaker we all need a little adventure in our lives. Lol.

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Looks great Gary thanks for the video see ya on the next video.😁😁

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir and hope you have a great rest of the week.

[@TheEZGZ]

Nice Work! A little trick I figured out to help get the axles past the slipping fulcrum plates. Instead of holding the axle dead center and straight up. Put the axle to the side like full droop that way you have room to get your finger in there and hold the fulcrum plates in position. Also preheat the bearing and it will slip right over the axle. Swing axle tranny's are a PITA. But! They are stronger and lighter than the IRS sedan tranny though. One more thing. Those urethane bushing are going to squeak like and old spring mattress in whore house. hehehe I've tried all sorts of lube and eventually they start to squeak again. My son used to say that's why they have volume control on the radio. U just turn up the volume and no more squeaks, rattles or engine noise. LOL I personally am so deaf it dose the same thing built in muffler's for the rest of my life. It's so exciting to see the progress and clean work your doing. I'm humbled...

[@vayabroder729]

Says the great legend EZGZ! Nice to see you here, my friend!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir! I did kind of figure out what you mentioned about the axles… they are definitely a different animal than an irs setup lol I’ve heard plenty of people say how horrible the urethane bushing and mounts are but I kinda have to get what’s available at the time. I’m sure I’ll have to change it out later down the road. One more step complete, hoping to keep pushing hard!

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker urethane is harder but for your use it won’t be bad. Stuff like the urethane steering column couplers are definite no-nos.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@vayabroder729 I hate urethane for steering!

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker Yes; those ones just tear off without warning because they lack the internal fabric reinforcement the stock rubber ones have. Those urethane and prothane componente are cheaper to make than the stock counterparts. That’s why they promote them so much.

[@davidryan573]

Great progress, looking sharp, nice parts. Ever once in a while I watch Paul from Fab Rats, his saying is We do it right, because we do it twice.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man and I agree, Paul has some great sayings because they’re true! 😂

[@DGR33]

I know this video is a year old as of my post but an easy way to install the axles is to put the fulcrum plates in the side gear outside of the transmission. Stick your finger in the back side and hod them in place while inserting the axle. Then put the whole assembly in the transmission. Maybe someone already mentioned in a reply before me. Another trick is to set the axle tube clearance before you you install the axles. That way you're not fighting the axles while trying to get the clearance correct.

[@VWJawbreaker]

All good information, I appreciate it. 🤙

[@leonardramsey3458]

Looks really great Gary 👍🏻 these videos are starting to get into the meat and potatoes of the build the kind of stuff everybody wants to see. The 60s really starting to come together. 💯💪🏼❤️😁

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, it’s really been nice to make some good progress and feels good also! Thanks for being here!

[@bertiesbugresto7730]

Great video...Easy to follow and understand. Keep em coming mate!!!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir! Part 2 will be out next week.

[@flat4ification]

It's looking really good VWJ. I like the gray accents. I didn't catch the errors you made. I think I was just too excited to see a fresh video. That rear end is so much easier to rebuild than my '70. We had a fairly tough time getting the trailing arms aligned so the 17mm Allen bolt threads would start. Anyway, we figured it out of course. The new bushings were making it difficult. By the way, when we put the CV axles back together they were backwards. I didn't realize one end had a beveled edge to sit in the washer and ultimately accommodate the circlip. That was a little frustrating but it built a little character in all three of us (myself and my two sons). Well VWJ, take it easy and we'll see you in the next one. Although, next week I'll be in the panhandle of Fla. kayaking so I won't get to watch the next video until Sunday or Monday. Keep up the good work.

[@VWJawbreaker]

We all make mistakes and learn from them, that’s what matters. Pretty sure I made the same ones you’re talking about with the cv axles in jawbreaker years back. Enjoy your trip and be safe out there!

[@a080867]

Hell ya! Coming together. Looks great.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@jimlester5003]

Gary that was one sweet install. Now I know that it isn't too hard to remove and reinstall the trans axle. You make it look too easy my friend, even.when you forget items. Have a glorious day! Jim

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, it’s much easier with the body off of course lol Thanks for always being here my friend, have a great week!

[@bert79]

Wow, solid mounts take me back to when youth allowed me to ignore NVH that would kill my old behind now. Love your videos, keep up the good work.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir. We shall see how the solid rear mounts work out lol

[@richpeacock5768]

First time I've seen the ratchet strap method. Definitely going to try that when I readjust Mello Yello's trailing arms. Great progress, looks great as well😃

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’ve seen it a few times, normally I use a jack or something but since the chassis is so light that wouldn’t work.

[@richpeacock5768]

@@VWJawbreaker I used a Jack and fought with it the whole way on Mellow Yellow. Maybe a combination of the two would be a little easier😃

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@richpeacock5768 that’s probably true!!

[@battyboomfatty]

Dude! This thing is looking BE-A-UTIFUL! Well done on all this progress.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir. I’m sure it’ll get trashed down the road but at least it looks pretty-ish in the beginning 😂

[@bigalsvwratrod7346]

Amazing progress 👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks!

[@ChipsAndSparksGarage]

Man, that is a really clean build. I’m not sure what a Kafer Bar is, but it looks cool!👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir. The Kafer bar helps tie the frame horns into the upper shock mounts to help stiffen up the rear so the frame horns don’t flex.

[@jamesprice1253]

Nice job.. look good.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you.

[@rosshannemann7772]

Had vw Transporters on past,didnt quite get how axles and ride height adjust,I know now thanks.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Glad the video helped you out!

[@matthewchilders5263]

Looks amazing! Keep it going! 🤘🤘

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank ya sir!

[@martinharris5017]

7:00 sounds like you've got R2D2 assisting there (sped up birdsong). This is getting exciting Gary, really going to look something special judging by all the cool parts going together. Classic case of what started as a rat-build progressing to something more clean and sophisticated. And you are sounding much brighter these days, great to see your energy returning!

[@VWJawbreaker]

The birds were out in force that day lol It is exciting to be at this point seeing hard work really pay off. Still have a few different ways the body can go but I did want the chassis kinda of nice even though most of it won’t be seen.

[@ronbunker5778]

Looking good!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you much!

[@zimms-world]

Great progress. Everything looks really good and clean

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man, I’m liking how it’s coming together!

[@EmmettRacing]

I love the way the pan turned out. I did Line-X on mine, and the pan is basically like mine lol. Nothing wrong with running the stock stuff in the tranny. That’s what I did and it’s holding strong like crazy with the way I drive my bug.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks dude, the pan looks totally different now! I’m sure the stock axles will be just fine at the power level that I’m at as long as I don’t get too crazy 😜

[@WolfHausMotorwerks]

looking great man!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man.

[@vdub6873]

O man turning out great

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks!

[@royworks28]

Man that’s looking awesome, very informative video.your really cranking out the progress now.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir, I’ve worked hard on this chassis.

[@gman824]

I’ve done the same thing, forgot the spacer. Great video! Chassis is looking awesome. Not too much longer.😃👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Had everything laid out and still forgot them 😂

[@masbeetleboy9169]

Wow, that is looking really good. A word of caution on your urathane tranny mount, change it to something better. I had one of those things on my beetle and it turned to dust, so do what i ended up doing and replace it with a CB Performance Rhino mount. I bought the kit, which also included engine mounts and they are worth the extra cost.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback. I kinda had to get what I could at the time. I’ll look into the cb mounts later down the road when I’m ready to replace them and hopefully they will have them in stock.

[@kevinhamling1963]

Hey man, Looking good. A very professional job. Q. My kafer bar system is from Coolrydes they have two extra bars towards the front. These two exta bars make a huge difference. You should look into it. So what's next . Thanks for sharing man. ✌🏻 Peace

[@VWJawbreaker]

I did see that same setup however I got this one for dirt cheap… couldn’t pass up the deal. Guess I could maybe fab up the other bars later down the road with some tube and heim joints 🤔

[@kevinhamling1963]

@@VWJawbreaker that would work.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@kevinhamling1963 worth looking into I guess. I don’t even know what brand this setup is lol

[@PL-tm1tq]

Looking nice👌, not a fan of your rear tranny cradle though. If you're really concerned about reinforcing everything you may think about going with a semi solid unit. I'm running solid rear and nose cone mount and semi solid Berg mid mount aaand a Kafer bar as well.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man, I’ll look into it more. As of right now I just used what I had for the rear mounts. Guess I could weld in a cross bar between the 2 mounts to stiffen it up 🤔

[@PL-tm1tq]

@@VWJawbreaker i get that, use what you have but you've got every other thing covered, don't compromise now.👍

[@darrells56]

looking good Gary , cant wait to see it sitting on its wheels . I noticed you did not oil the daisy and axle tube cup when assembling , because this is constantly oiled you will only get your proper shim thickness if it's oiled when assembled , you likely only needed two gaskets in there but I'm sure it will be ok.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Soon enough it’ll be on its wheels! You’re correct, I didn’t show that but they did have oil on them when I installed them. They didn’t have a ton but they were lubed up 👍

[@vayabroder729]

Yes sir! Been through that myself; not sure if this is so important but the paper gaskets are supposed to go with the two little holes towards the bottom of the transaxle and you put them backwards. Not sure why this placement would make much difference but this is what I’ve heard/read. Also the red gaskets are double the thickness of what the tan ones are; you can use a combination of them to find your sweet spot. For the boots you got the seams perfectly oriented; the left side goes at 10-11 o clock and the right side at 1-2 o clock. It helps to install them with the axles in the horizontal and push them in as much as possible so as to give them as much travel downward as possible when they flex. Also helps to use some Permatex on both ends of the boot and the seam itself. This is looking better and better all the time. I love projects getting put back together right.

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thanks man, I appreciate the feedback. I read the same about the holes on the gaskets…. Completely forgot when I went to install them 🤷‍♂️ These gaskets that I got, only ones I found in stock at the time of purchase was the thin ones so I just bought several of them… works the same way just uses a few more. I forgot where I got these boots from but I was told these work best dry and with no extra sealant. Time will tell and if that’s the case, great. If not, well I have plenty of permatex and other stuff I can use to seal it up. Trans has been filled for a while and no leaks sitting in the garage at least lol

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker Great news. Those boots are very good and the same type I prefer to use. The shiny colored Empi stuff does nothing for me and I believe doesn’t work as well as the original stuff.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@vayabroder729 I’ve used the Empi ones in the past and swore I’d use a plastic grocery bag before I ever used those again.

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker Same here!!

[@Paulman50]

👍😊

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir.

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

Getting there!

[@thebadbug7026]

Interesting to see the axles getting installed. Quick question, lager bar and mid mount. Are those to help hold the gearbox in place, kinda like a performance upgrade?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yes sir, the mid mount helps keep the pressure off of the nose cone and front trans mount. The Kafer bar helps tie the frame horns into everything and stiffen it all up and prevent flex.

[@DesertRatFabrication]

Really good video Gary, i have never seen the Kafer bar, starting to look more like a complete pan, do you know why they want the boots cocked a bit, i am not all that familiar the swing axle so it was cool to see how it went together, oh yes the old Swing Axle Vs IRS, lol, loving the build buddy, keep cranking em out, talk to you soon

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you sir! It’s really coming together now. It’s giving me a second wind to finish up the body and get this project on track!

[@DesertRatFabrication]

@@VWJawbreaker ye ha

[@trevcessna1723]

Hey Gary, I noticed you didn't pack the bearings with grease before install....? Great video thanks!

[@VWJawbreaker]

Yes sir, I did not pack them with grease because the gear oil goes down the axle tubes and lubricates the bearings.

[@trevcessna1723]

Haha sorry, I have an IRS and don’t know “Jack” about swing axles! Doh!! Great stuff thanks!

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@trevcessna1723 all good man, we all learn sometime!

[@victorspadoni744]

I was doing transmission work on a 356 Porsche, and let the transaxle hang too much and I believe the fulcrum plates got dislodged, cause it makes a lot of banging noise when making left turns, so hopefully I can set them back in place without having to dismantle the entire rear, just unbolt the big bolt and loosen up everything in order to get to those plates. Any opinion would be appreciated, thanks for an informative video.

[@VWJawbreaker]

You might be able to do that but most likely it’ll be easier to pull the trans out of the car. Reason I say that is you’ll need the side cover plate gaskets as shims when reassembling the axle tube. You’ll definitely need to remove the large axle nut and the spring plate bolts that are attached to the axle. Hopefully you can get it without too much hassle.

[@jcnavas86]

Looks nice. I will make mine next week. This weekend I just finished the chassis. One question, did you use permatex or any kind of sealant for the gasket?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Thank you. I didn’t use any sealant since everything was new or in good shape without pitting. I’d recommend staying away from permatex and use gasket sinch or something better imo.

[@cyprianskiba8768]

When installing the split boot, the seem doesn’t need glue? Just screws keep the transmission oil from leaking?

[@VWJawbreaker]

They don’t need glue. Some people like to put a dab of silicone at the split joint on the axle tube point. Other than that it doesn’t leak if installed correctly.

[@stevevisek7422]

Gary, I have a '67 at present with swing axle. I'm trying to figure out what the Kafer Bar does. Is it something I need to added rear end stability?

[@VWJawbreaker]

The Kafer bar isn’t just for a swing axle as it ties the frame horns into the shock towers to prevent frame horn flex.

[@cyprianskiba8768]

Do you use empi camber compensators on your installs?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I did not.

[@user-pd9xo3bz4y]

How’s it going Gary what’s your opinion on a rear sway bar for my 1967 vw beetle 2054cc engine and it’s lowered.

[@VWJawbreaker]

All depends on how you drive it and want it to handle.

[@theslamer67]

i there i have a quesion what is the Kafer Bar for ? and what does it do thanks love your vids and all your stuff from oregon

[@VWJawbreaker]

It helps tie the frame horns into the upper shock mounts to prevent flex and twist of the frame horns.

[@frankie5132]

Are long/short axles interchangeable? Thanks for the video!

[@VWJawbreaker]

With the appropriate axle tubes, yes they are.

[@frankie5132]

Great news! haha Thanks for the quick reply!@@VWJawbreaker

[@jamesdelk8926]

What does the ujoint look like other ordinary unoints or smooth and round ball looking things at ends with a long pole like thing

[@VWJawbreaker]

You lost me on that….

[@jamesdelk8926]

@@VWJawbreaker wanted to know what the ujoint that turns gear box on be looks like like on other trucks and cars or does it just look like long stick with out flexible parts like other ujoints that look weird with movable joints that boucenes up and down when car hits little to hard bumps that spins in the bottom to turn the rear wheels

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@jamesdelk8926 there a rent any u-joints in a VW. The engine mounts directly to the trans and the axles go between the trans and the drums. Later VW’s have cv axles and not this setup.

[@nicholasmarinelli4575]

Gary - where are you picking up your hardware? Is it from a VW specific vendor or from McMaster?

[@VWJawbreaker]

I’ve found old stock hardware it be the best vs the VW hardware sold by Empi or whoever. For the trans I used old stock hardware I cleaned up and inspected.

[@nicholasmarinelli4575]

So the zinc plated nuts and bolts you used to secure the axle tubes to the spring plates are old stock hardware??

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@nicholasmarinelli4575 that hardware was from a local store, all grade 8 as it didn’t have the correct hardware and had missing hardware when I got the car.

[@mikehammer4546]

Gary, Q; what R&P are you using and the final 4th gear?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Using a 4:37 r&p with a 0.89 4th. Should be around 3100 rpm at 70mph. Remember, I’m running 29” tires.

[@vayabroder729]

@@VWJawbreaker And the tire diameter will make a difference. My car has stock 15” wheels and tires and has a 4:12 with a taller fourth (not sure if it’s a .89) but it will be about 3,000 RPMs at around 60 mph. There is a noticeable jump from 3rd to 4th. 1st through 3rd are fine.

[@VWJawbreaker]

@@vayabroder729 that’s correct, tire diameter makes a huge difference. That’s why I gave the specs to a builder and had him set me up with something that would have decent torque in 1st but still be able to cruise on the Highway.

[@user-pd9xo3bz4y]

How much was that transmission it’s a fwy flyer ?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Don’t remember the cost off hand but it was custom built for my needs.

[@loganeubank2430]

🤌👍

[@VWJawbreaker]

😎👍

[@Fastvw1]

what no poor mans posi?

[@VWJawbreaker]

Nope, had a good trans built.