Volkswagen 181 - Technology and Performance

Technology and Performance

Military 181s attain a higher ride height and lower effective gearing by utilizing reduction boxes, a form of portal axles. 181s without reduction boxes feature a transmission similar to the Beetle but with a slower gearing by use of different ring and pinion gears and have stronger, more flexible CV axles. Most mechanical parts are interchangeable with those of other VW models. Optional dual oil bath air cleaners increased filtering ability in dusty environments, and low noise ignition systems were fitted to military cars to be used for radio communication. 1973 and earlier cars featured a gasoline powered cabin heater, with later 181s adopting heat exchangers used by the beetle and air boxes on the rear vents to reduce the intake of dust and exhaust.