I am starting to see the light at the end of my 18 month restoration and I think I'm coming to the end of my technical capabilities!
I am attempting to fit a gearbox to an IRS setup done by Franklins VW werks, I have placed the gearbox, that came with the van, in with drive shafts attached but the shafts see to be about 1 inch too long. Just wondering if I need to disconnect everything from the plates? or do I need smaller shafts? Can't seem to find any thing similar in the sooper dooper web. All and any advice appreciated.

No, you don't disconnect anything.

Maybe a photo might help, or more detail on the parts / type of IRS you have.

The biggest problem is I don't have much history of the bus, the conversion appears to be a shop fab job as it not a bolt on job.
Here are some pics but they are not the best.






I know the bott0m gearbox mount cradle is missing, I was attempting to have a dry fit first.

Have you compressed the cv's fully? Have you measured the driveshaft length vs standard length used on conversion?

If so, suspect the driveshafts are Bay.

I have compressed the shafts and they still will not fit, appear to be 20mm ish too long. I took the shaft off, but I am unable to pull the bearings, the shaft measures approximately 415 mm. Any ideas?

Can you show a better picture of the arms where stub axle goes in.
The bus has had the IRS done at beetle width, either by using spacers at the springplate or by narrowing the torsion tube.
Difficult to see on my phone but the IRS arms look narrowed to me as well

First thing I'd do is get some decent axle stands. Those blocks of wood will be very wobbly if you're giving it some welly putting in gearboxes etc. You'll also have plenty more room to manoeuvre and feel a lot safer !

You can get a decent set for £30 ish.

Hi Paul, thanks, I will take some detailed photos later on today.
HI Jonny, I have 3 sets of stands but they are at use else where. Thanks for the concern but the van is solid! But it does look a bit sketchy in the pics though!
Just when it seems I'm making some progress......................

More pics of the set up -













I believe its a bay window brake assembly, I can't seem to find any topics for this issue on the net, HELP!!!!

Are they bus or bug C/Vs. And where did the drive shafts come from? Just trying to id the drive shafts. Best thing is to remove the c/vs and put them next to a bug shaft. Someone on here will have a bug shaft they can measure.

The axles you have got are beetle length, and your arms have been narrowed - therefore you will need axles that are shorter

Hi Paul, sounds like a plan. Now the next thing........ How do I measure the required length?
I really do appreciate your help.

http://www.pacificcustoms.com/mm5/merch ... -irs-axles

You could cut, sleeve and weld your current ones. Need a machine shop to make a thick sleeve that is a press fit and a big welder to weld it up

Thanks for the link, it has confirmed the only thread I could find on the samba. Measuring center cup drive to center with a pair of dowels and mark it up, measure and subtract 1/4 inch. I will need an drive shaft that is 15 5/8 inches (396mm). That's a load off my mind! Just need to get them shortend and find an auto electrician. Thank you all for putting a positive end to such a frustrating week! I owe you all a beer!