Beam Compatibility Between Models

[skanny 0]

Hi Guys,

 

I have searched the site and founf a link within a hread to the thread im after, it was detailing the difference between base model and GTI rear beams..........only problem is that the link did not work!

 

Can anyone remember where this thread is and provide a working link?

 

Or can anyone comment on the swapability of rear beams between models?

 

Thanks in advance

Skanny

[Jrod 7]

All the beams are the same design, The difference between them is the brakes, torsion bars and anti roll bar all of which Can be swapped.

Edited February 6, 2008 by Jrod

[Grim.Badger 15]

Not quite true, the very lowest models don't have an ARB and the trailing arm shafts can't accomodate one. The stub axles are also different, but can be changed.

If you can find the topic then post a link up.

[Jrod 7]

I never knew this, I always thought that you could just pop the little plastic caps out and fit the ARB? I'll wait for someone to confirm.

 

Base model stub axles are the same as 1.6 ones IIRC and only 1.9 ones being different but I just classed this all as the brakes as you change them depending on what brakes you use.

[j_turnell 137 3 Cars]

You can just fit an ARB on to base model beams thats not a problem, the main differences are the width and thickness of the torsion bars and ARB. The base model beams are narrower width wise and have thinner torsion bars cant remember what size off the top of my head. The gti spec beams all have 19mm Torsion bars and ARBs, except the 309 gti beam which is 20mm. In order of width basemodel, 1.6 beam, 1.9 beam then 309 beam.

Edited February 6, 2008 by j_turnell

[Jrod 7]

The actual beam itself isn't narrower is it, its just the brakes

 

Torsion bars are easily swapped.

Edited February 6, 2008 by Jrod

[Grim.Badger 15]

I never knew this, I always thought that you could just pop the little plastic caps out and fit the ARB? I'll wait for someone to confirm.

 

TBH I've not checked myself, but I have been told by someone I trust that the early (not sure how early) base models without an arb can not be fitted with one as the holes in the trailing arm shafts aren't big enough.

[pug_ham 244 3 Cars]

Its usually just a plastic cap in the radius arm shaft on some base models but that can be pushed out of the way / pryed out to fit an ARB to any beam.

 

If you are mixing & matching beams off several cars to make one good one be very careful as the toe & camber settings of the radius arms can vary between each model. Best to use the two radius arms from one car if at all possible.

 

The stub axles & back plates can be swapped over to use the brakes off your car as needed.

 

Graham.