Merkur front hubs with Volkswagen struts
Merkur front hubs with Volkswagen struts
I came across some VW struts at work and thought they looked similar dimensions to the merkur Xr4ti strut, I needed to change out my blown front struts so off I went to the machine shop to get the front hubs bored out by 3mm.. The reason I did this is because You can get a vast number of aftermarket struts for the VW and are a lot less money than the ones for the Xr4ti.
I will be cutting the perches off so I can fit coilovers.
Here are some pictures.
I will be cutting the perches off so I can fit coilovers.
Here are some pictures.
Last edited by thedrill on Thu Nov 26, 2009 2:25 am, edited 3 times in total.
Russ
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- DPDISXR4Ti
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Nice work - BTW, I embedded the pics for you. Couple questions....
1) What is the diameter of the stub-end? Just wondering if it might fit into a Scorpio spindle as-is.
2) Have you compared the overall length to the XR strut?
3) I presume the threaded portion of the shaft is the same, so all the stock upper bearing stuff works, yes?
4) What is the VW application?
1) What is the diameter of the stub-end? Just wondering if it might fit into a Scorpio spindle as-is.
2) Have you compared the overall length to the XR strut?
3) I presume the threaded portion of the shaft is the same, so all the stock upper bearing stuff works, yes?
4) What is the VW application?
Brad
1: 49.65mmDPDISXR4Ti wrote:Nice work - BTW, I embedded the pics for you. Couple questions....
1) What is the diameter of the stub-end? Just wondering if it might fit into a Scorpio spindle as-is.
2) Have you compared the overall length to the XR strut?
3) I presume the threaded portion of the shaft is the same, so all the stock upper bearing stuff works, yes?
4) What is the VW application?
2: very close to stock size, and the perch is angled slightly higher for bigger tyres.
3: strut threaded portion is bigger @ 13mm and the shaft is also bigger at 7/8" , so you need the VW bearing at 3.50 each and redrill the spring plates.
4: Beetle , golf and jetta 98-2006.. so there are lots of choices of strut manufacturers.
Russ
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I went looking around the scrapyards measuring struts, the next size front struts were escort, contour and taurus @ 51mm.DPDISXR4Ti wrote:Close - Scorpio knuckle measures 51mm (FWIW, XR is 45.4mm). Thought for second "maybe", but that's too much to make up by trying to clamp the pinch fitting down. Could probably get ghetto-creative though and make up the difference with some roof flashing.thedrill wrote: 1: 49.65mm
I bought some complete 2002 beetle front struts with springs today and fitted the XR4ti top cap on .. just need to get the weight back on the car to see how they sit.. the coils are certainly fatter.. so it may be too high.. I will find out tomorrow.
Russ
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- nathankershaw
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The very same mate, They are now on the car and are working well!!nathankershaw wrote:Ahh
Those were the hubs you were machining on Monday.
I'm intrigued!
I might see you on Monday.
# Beetle struts and springs give the correct ride height too#
Front end of the car is definately firmer and is a lot flatter in the corners.
See you monday mate.
Russ
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Russ,thedrill wrote:1: 49.65mmDPDISXR4Ti wrote:Nice work - BTW, I embedded the pics for you. Couple questions....
1) What is the diameter of the stub-end? Just wondering if it might fit into a Scorpio spindle as-is.
2) Have you compared the overall length to the XR strut?
3) I presume the threaded portion of the shaft is the same, so all the stock upper bearing stuff works, yes?
4) What is the VW application?
2: very close to stock size, and the perch is angled slightly higher for bigger tyres.
3: strut threaded portion is bigger @ 13mm and the shaft is also bigger at 7/8" , so you need the VW bearing at 3.50 each and redrill the spring plates.
4: Beetle , golf and jetta 98-2006.. so there are lots of choices of strut manufacturers.
You are the man, because of this find I got a set of Moton Club-sport double adjustable struts, I can't wait to get them 8 week wait.
Ben
85 DSP XR4ti, 2009 Solo 2 National Champion, burns muffler, 3in exhaust, Mc2 Full suspension, 325 hps & 328tqr, GMR Intake, Wilwood brakes, Eaton LSD, stand alone ECU. Working on being SM National Champion.
Are these still working well for you? Any more updates on the conversion specifically on the upper strut mount.
Jeremy Kemp
RIP: the Mutt….1988 XR4Ti Chestnut Brown/Spice Leather
MC2 Coilovers and Bushings, Contour Rims and Rotors, Ported Motorsport Head, Cosworth 4x4 Intercooler, Holset HY35 Turbo, 80LB Injectors, Megasquirt2 EFI
RIP: the Mutt….1988 XR4Ti Chestnut Brown/Spice Leather
MC2 Coilovers and Bushings, Contour Rims and Rotors, Ported Motorsport Head, Cosworth 4x4 Intercooler, Holset HY35 Turbo, 80LB Injectors, Megasquirt2 EFI
vw struts
Yes they are still on the car, I used the merkur upper mount and top plate, but re-drilled them both to suit the VW strut diameter.. and used the VW rotator / bearing.
The stock beetle struts and springs are an improvement over the original merkur front struts, but would be a lot better with the HD touring Bilsteins.
The stock beetle struts and springs are an improvement over the original merkur front struts, but would be a lot better with the HD touring Bilsteins.
Russ
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Why wouldn't you use the rear shocks, really the only thing you would have to worry about is the exlength and if it's to short get the shock extensions and the shock body length, you can buy the shock ends to fit the XR4ti, works great, go look at www.daymotorsports.com.85merwhat? wrote:I am able to get this kit fairly cheap and was wondering if it is worth it if I decided to go this route. Obviously I wouldnt need the rear stuff but these are monotube Bilsteins. Also I am wondering what else I would need mount wise. Thanks.
Ben
85 DSP XR4ti, 2009 Solo 2 National Champion, burns muffler, 3in exhaust, Mc2 Full suspension, 325 hps & 328tqr, GMR Intake, Wilwood brakes, Eaton LSD, stand alone ECU. Working on being SM National Champion.