Front suspension & Scat shifter

[Stevec]

Sorry me again guys, I've only been an owner for a few months so its still all new to me.

The front suspension- I've just had a new adjustable front beam fitted and the mechanic set it up the same as the old height which has been lowered but sensibly ( not low as a rat) but it now seems to have no suspension in it at all, any small hole in the road and it will bang down with no spring in it at all, is that normal ? Can the suspension be adjusted or do I need to get different shocks? It seemed fine before but the mechanic noticed it had been cut and re welded (probably in the USA where it came from) so it was not safe.

Scat Shifter- I had this shifter installed because it kept going into reverse plus the 2nd gear crunched so thought this would cure it. I had all the bushes etc changed also. Now I've got it back I'm finding it hard to find 1st, usually finding 3rd (not great at the traffic lights). Also it's going into reverse still without even lifting the trigger, plus 2nd is still crunching?? I think the shifter needs adjusting again, but with the 2nd gear I'm not sure what to try next the clutch or gearbox???

Thanks

 

[Stevec]

Anyone got any ideas please?

 

[sparkywig]

The Scat shifter does go into reverse without lifting the gate if you're not careful when selecting 2nd.
I would check the rear shift coupling that attaches to the gearbox to remedy the shift problems.

 

[GIZ59]

AS sparkywig says, check the system, bushes ,rods from front to gearbox for excessive wear , have someone work the shifter whilst you lie underneath and have a look/feel, also , what is your driving style? me ? i find for me and my bus the way J.Muir says in his book is the way to best optimise correct gear selection, i think ive nailed mine but i do have my "moments" esp. wiv 2nd>when was last time you changed the box oil and did you use the correct oil?

 

[Stevec]

Thanks guys.

I did have all the bushes changed while he was installing the new shifter so i thought that would see to any excessive wear etc? That's why I thought it was either the clutch or gearbox itself? Must admit I don't know about the gearbox oil as I've only recently just bought the bus. I'll have to have a check to see how easy/hard it is to by myself? Any advice on which oil to use?

Thanks again

 

[philstar]

Adjustable beams do sacrifice suspension travel, the best way to go for lowering if you want to retain soft suspension (in my opinion) is dropped spindles, though I am not sure if these can be found in many different drop sizes (I'm only a year in to the VW scene myself!)

My bus has been lowered as yours, and it does clunk a bit but there is still plenty of damping there, it is fitted with GAZ shock absorbers though not inspected these yet to see if they are lowered or not (MOT January... soon as the snow comes I'm sure it will be time to lie under the bus!)

The best advice I can offer anyone is to get yourself onto Amazon (or any preferred book seller of your choice...) and buy as many books as you can that cover maintaining, modifying and the general history of your vehicle. The vast majority of books can be picked up second hand for the matter of a few pounds, though when you inevitably get stuck these forum gurus are just insanely helpful!

 

[Stevec]

Hey Philstar

I haven't got a clue what shocks are on there. The mechanic found that the beam already fitted on my bus had been sliced at the ends, lowered and re-welded with some spacers next to the wheels etc, bit of cowboy job, but apparently it's an old way off doing it in the states where she came from. He's basically just changed it over to an adjustable beam from creative engineering but now the ride feels awful :-( ??

I've just ordered a couple of books on amazon that I've been advised to get on another post

 

[Bryan67]

Take the shocks off and drive it or at least lump up and down on it. If the ride is better then you will need shorter shocks. It is possible that the ball joints are at their limit of travel and there is really nothing you can do except raise it up or fit some welded 2.5 in drop spindles then re adjust the beam.

 

[GIZ59]

RE your question on oil? suggest you check out info on "Richard Attwell"s voltswagen bus pages"google that site , its got loads of info , and quite a script on oil(s) >worth reading.

 

[Tim S]

Where in Surrey are you? If you're not hell bent on doing the work yourself get Autotechniks in Epsom Downs to look at it for you, they know as much about type 2's as anyone and more than most.

Without seeing your setup it's impossible to say what's wrong, but it should have suspension movement - mine is low and does, and doesn't rub either but it wasn't straightforward getting there.

Worth pointing out if you know some things have been done wrong on the van chances are there are more things wrong with it you haven't found yet. As I have found by experience.

As they say - good judgement is often the result of experience, and experience is often the result of bad judgement!

Merry Xmas and good luck!

 

[LeeZee]

With regards to the shift problems, I had similar when I removed mine to install a new beam. I found that the position of the plate on the floor can cause it to struggle to reach certain gears. Try slackening the bolts and pushing it forward toward second, hold it and tighten the plate back up.

 

[Stevec]

Thanks for everyone's advice the shifter is sorted now, just a little adjustment and it all works good I can't get into reverse now without lift the lever so all good. The suspension, I'm going to wait till the weathers better then take the shocks off and measure up and see exactly what size I need then go from there.

Thanks everyone

Steve