Bay lowering

Discussion in 'How To' started by Paul Weeding, Feb 11, 2015.

  1. Seems like we're lacking in a lowering resource thread... It's probably been covered numerous times, but best to have a how to thread that covers it all in one place!!

    Now my way, isn't necessarily the best way, as everyone does things in their own way, but this is how I lower the front beam on a bay!! :thumbsup:

    Step one.
    Remove your beam and strip is down to it's bare bones - No need to remove the spring leaves, as the can be a mare to put back in!!
    [​IMG]

    For some reason I've not photo'd it, but at this stage you can cut off the bump stops, as they'll be in the way on a lowered van!!

    Next I remove the steering idler box.
    [​IMG]
    This gives you access to the two dimples behind it!!

    [​IMG]

    These then need to be drilled out to allow the central collar, that holds the leaves, to rotate - There are three dimples per tube.
    [​IMG]

    First I drill them out with a 3.5mm drill.. This will give you the drilling depth, as there is a slight gap between the tube and collar
    [​IMG]

    I then drilled them all with a 6mm bit, followed by a 15mm bit.
    [​IMG]
     
    paradox, Diddymen and geordieandy like this.
  2. Next stage is marking out the slot for the adjuster... Wind in the new locking bolt, and place the toothed section over the top, then using a scribe, mark the inside of the adjuster onto the beam.
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Then using a thin (1mm) cutting disc, cut the lines out, not going too deep as you'll notch the collar!!
    [​IMG]

    Next you have to rotate the collars a few times to free them off... I made a tool a while back using an old wheel brace handle, and a wheel bolt from a beetle!!
    [​IMG]

    Next comes the welding of the adaptors.
    Place them on, and clamp them down with the locking plate!!
    [​IMG]

    Tack the corners, then remove the locking plate to fully weld them on!!
    [​IMG]

    Once the adjusters are welded on, then you can re-weld the idler box...
    [​IMG]

    At this point it's well worth cleaning the beam down and giving it a good coat of paint!! :)
     
  3. Nice work... :thumbsup:

    So the collars have the threads in them..:thinking:
     
    Paul Weeding likes this.
  4. Yep.. there's a locking grub screw in them ;)
     
    art b likes this.
  5. Ok ..they hold the collars in place,:hattip:

    So it's quite a clever adaptation of vw's design..:cool:
     
  6. redoxide

    redoxide Guest

    OKEYDOKE, can you work that in reverse ? ie weld them in so you can raise the suspension... ? That might sound daft but what im thinking is this, I have the transporterhause flipped ball joint set up on the van with a Transit connect size Tyre, lowish profile but load rated, (style and safety lol ) The transporterhause drop is a wee bit more than ideal without a wee tub or slight narrowing with these boots, so I was thinking, add those adjusters to raise the front just a smidge to find the ideal drop somewhere in between ... does that make sense?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 11, 2015
    Flakey likes this.
  7. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    That's great Paul thanks, is it possible to cut the slots the wrong side of the grub screw hole and end up only being able to raise not lower?
     
  8. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    Haha same question!
     
  9. redoxide

    redoxide Guest

    great minds think alike :thinking:
     
    Flakey likes this.
  10. Very much so... I've heard of that being done back in the day to Baja bugs :cool:
     
  11. rickyrooo1

    rickyrooo1 Hanging round like a bad smell

    My way is best.
    More cake.
     
    3TNC likes this.
  12. I thought your way was taking the contents of your house....

























    .... And eat more cake ;)
     
    baygeekster likes this.
  13. Pudelwagen

    Pudelwagen Supporter

    Can someone explain why one has to lower a bay in the first place?
     
    Paul Weeding likes this.
  14. popcorn time.
     
    CollyP likes this.
  15. :lol:

    Because some people get nose bleeds ;)

    3 main factors

    1 Aesthetics
    2 Lower centre of gravity for better handling
    3 Looks cool ;)
     
    womball and 1973daisey like this.
  16. To keep it cool Init :cool:
    I
    Although I seem to be going up a notch at a time so my bones are In tact
     
  17. Pudelwagen

    Pudelwagen Supporter

    I don't think a lowered one would get up the track to our house without grounding!
     
  18. redoxide

    redoxide Guest

    why do people feel the need to keep poodles ? :theforce:
     
    Grum, 1973daisey and minirob like this.
  19. Having met a few poodles I'd say it's because, crap haircut aside, they're a seriously impressive dog.
     
  20. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    Cos they're dead cuddly
    [​IMG]
    Especially without crap haircuts
     
    Riviera Dave likes this.

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