IRS 

If you want better fuel economy and higher top speed together with a more modern feel, or If your reduction boxes are shot, now is the time to think about instaling an IRS.

What is an IRS ?

IRS stands for Independant Rear Suspension. It allows one side of the vehicle to work independantly to the opposite side.  In 1968, Volkswagen stopped producing Buses with Swing axles and moved to an IRS system. This is because it works better as it  suffers less from negative camber under load.  

Why CREATIVE ENGINEERING'S IRS ?

This kit  takes away the uncertainty about an IRS conversion.  Our IRS System was designed to maintain the original 68-69 factory geometry that VW spent much time and money developing.  That is why we are the only company  that supply new chassis legs, the mounting points for the swing arms. It is impossible to get this geometry  without removing the old Split chassis legs.  

Do not be misled by others who advise trailing arm brackets to be fitted last and welded where they fall ! You build a chassis with correct suspension points first and then fit the parts! The new chassis legs enable the correct placement of swing arms.  If they are not in the right place you have no chance alighning spring plates and hubs.

So what do I need ?

The simplest way is to buy our IRS kit. (see IRS KIT page for details.) That will consist of all the  IRS  parts we can offer . (You will need a pair of shocks when installation is complete) . 

In addition, you will need to source the following VW parts.  1 x Beetle IRS Transmission.  1 pr Bay Bus Drive Shafts.  1pr Bay Bus Hubs   1p Bay bus CV Joints.  1pr Beetle CV Joints.   (see PARTS YOU WILL ALSO NEED page)  

Whats Involved ? 

 With our Chassis Legs fitted, you will be able to bolt in a Beetle IRS transmission ( see BEETLE TRANSMISSION RATIOS & CODES )  followed by a pair of 68-79 Bay drive shafts.  These Bay drive shafts must be fitted with a pair of Bay Bus CV joints at one end and a pair of Beetle CV joints at the other.  (see PARTS YOU WILL ALSO NEED ) . This will allow connection from the Beetle Transmission to the Bay Bus Hubs. You can then bolt up a pair of any  year Bay Bus rear hubs.  (see PARTS YOU WILL ALSO NEED   for in depth details). You can use 68/69  Large 205pcd  hubs but these are hard to find and spares are hard to get. We recomend using 70-79 112pcd Small Bay hubs and fit a pair of our custom 205 drums. (not included in IRS Kit) . Parts are no problem for these.

You MUST use 68-69 swing arms and spring plates whatever  year hubs you fit. You can use  original ones or  our own new CE swing arms and adjustable spring plates which are included in our IRS KIT.  You cannot use shortend, modified or later  Brazilian Swing Arms.  That's where the problems start.  It is essential that correct geometry is established to stop excessive wear on CV joints and bushes , not to mention ripping off brackets when the job is not done correctly.  

Can I fit the System myself ?

I dont know is the answer !  Its not difficult and many customers do their own installation. but you would need good automotive skills and be able to weld or call in someone who can. I suggest you study our IRS FITTING INSTALLATION pages and decide for yourself. If in doubt, get it done proffesionally.