Re: [T3] Raise it up.

[BOB2TYPE3S@aol.com]

In a message dated 7/15/05 7:18:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
fess-vwtype3.org@fess.org writes:

<< One question I have is if I don't have the special tool to adust to the 
 specific angle, [ which might not be the angle I want anyhow, if I only 
 do the front at this time. ]   How does one measure the angles to make 
 sure both sides are at the same?  Is it a matter of trusting that they 
 were in the first place, and being sure to move the same number of 
 splines [inner and outer] on the torsion bars?   Because, given the 
 state the PO left the rear of the car, and the fact that it's on the 
 stoppers in the front,  I don't think I can trust that. >>

In this case, invest in an angle finder that is commonly sold a Sears or one 
of the other big box home improvement centers (tool section, about 10 bucks). 
This will allow you to "dial in" each side to the other. Take a reference 
reading once you've got it apart (the spindle off the lower torsion arm), then 
you'll have a starting point. The outer splines change the readings in 9 degree 
movements, while the inner splines change them 8*50' . The outer ones are the 
ones that the trailing arm attaches to (and the splines are semi visible), 
while the inner ones attach on the far side of the beam (can't see them at all 
unless the whole bar is removed). I think the stock reference reading I had 
before lowering was either 15* or 18* (note: this was with the car level and the 
front on jack stands, and the lower trailing arm unloaded (not holding the 
spindle or anything)). It's been a couple of years, and I've slept since then, but 
it should get you close to a starting point. :D 
You won't need a ball joint press, as t-3 ball joints are bolt in pieces. 
About the only tools you'll need are an 8mm allen wrench, a 15mm boxed wrench, a 
19mm boxed wrench, a 17mm boxed wrench or socket with a 1/2" drive and maybe a 
13mm wrench along with the above angle finder. I hope this helps.

Bob 65 Notch S w/ Sunroof
       71 Square, now a 2 seat Roadster, becoming a T-3 Heb, pics can be seen 
at; 
http://volksrods.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2977 
       69 Square, currently awaiting a t-4 engine transplant

P.S. I normally just lower cars, but I did raise the front of my dad's t-3 
Square for him, as he was having trouble with some driveways around his house. :O

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