Most common transaxle
- Thread starter kruzer52
- Start date
ydeardorff
New member
I think rick would be the best to answer this. But given that the car was released in '74, I would presume it would be IRS, but I have heard of a couple swing axle cars out there too.
Based on what I have seen come across the auction block over the last few years, I'd say that the majority of Sterlings, Sebrings, and Cimbrias have IRS. Every once in a while you see one with a swing axle, but not as often as you see IRS.
Common consensus is that the swing axle transaxle is a little bit stronger (and is often used in drag cars) whereas the IRS set-up is better for handling.
For all practical matters, they are essentially equal for our cars as long as they are set up correctly. Handling on the swing axle cars can be improved with a fairly simple, bolt-on camber compensator. For both set-ups, the rear suspension often should technically be lowered a little from stock to compensate for the fact that our cars are significantly lighter than the stock Bug and therefore tend to sit a little high which can throw off the rear geometry a little.
Common consensus is that the swing axle transaxle is a little bit stronger (and is often used in drag cars) whereas the IRS set-up is better for handling.
For all practical matters, they are essentially equal for our cars as long as they are set up correctly. Handling on the swing axle cars can be improved with a fairly simple, bolt-on camber compensator. For both set-ups, the rear suspension often should technically be lowered a little from stock to compensate for the fact that our cars are significantly lighter than the stock Bug and therefore tend to sit a little high which can throw off the rear geometry a little.
letterman7
Honorary Admin
Right. Year of conception really doesn't come into play since the donor vehicle would have to be found anyway. My first car was swingaxle, my current is IRS. Warren is correct with the statement that either works well. Most buggy and kit gurus will tell you that an IRS is far superior than the swing... the advantage being in the corners that an IRS will road-hold a lot better. Which, to a point, is true... if the cars were still as top-heavy as the donor Bug. I had a lot of fun with my swingaxle with the camber compensator... even giving a couple of crotch-rockets a run for their money (of course, horsepower ratios won in their favor). The one advantage of an IRS over the swing is ease of servicing the transaxle if it needs it. The IRS you can drop the transaxle and leave the stub axles hanging... the swingaxle needs to come down as a unit - axles and all.