11-Tooth Spider Gear, for Type 1 VW Transmissions, Each

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit, whether it is on the drag strip or carving through massive sand dunes, the internal components of your transaxle are under immense stress. The spider gears, technically known as differential pinion gears, are the unsung heroes of your drivetrain. They allow your vehicle to navigate corners smoothly by permitting the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. Over time, stock gears can develop micro-fractures, pitting, or chipped teeth due to aggressive launching, high-torque engines, or simple metal fatigue. This 11-tooth spider gear from Latest Rage is engineered to meet or exceed original equipment standards, providing a reliable, high-strength replacement that restores the integrity of your differential. If you have noticed a rhythmic clunking sound during low-speed turns or discovered "glitter" in your gear oil, it is time to tear down the box and replace these critical components before a catastrophic failure occurs.

This specific 11-tooth gear is a staple for builders who are assembling or maintaining high-performance "Super Diffs." A standard VW differential uses only two spider gears, which creates a significant weak point when horsepower levels rise. By upgrading to a Super Diff, you utilize a four-spider gear configuration, effectively doubling the load-bearing surface area and drastically increasing the strength of the transaxle. These gears are manufactured from high-grade, heat-treated steel and are precision-machined to ensure a perfect mesh with your side gears. Whether you are performing a standard stock rebuild on a daily driver or assembling a heavy-duty off-road transaxle for a Baja bug, using fresh, high-quality spider gears ensures that your power is delivered to the ground consistently without the risk of binding or premature gear teeth shearing.

FITMENT

This 11-tooth spider gear is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 style transaxles. Please verify your tooth count before ordering, as some heavy-duty aftermarket applications may vary.

• VW Beetle: 1946 through 1977 (Standard and Convertible)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• VW Type 2 Bus: 1950 through 1967 (Swing Axle and Early IRS)
• VW Type 3: 1962 through 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Fits most Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Manx clones utilizing a Type 1 VW transaxle case and differential.

SPECS

• Tooth Count: 11-Tooth precision-cut profile.
• Material: Forged, heat-treated high-carbon steel for maximum durability.
• Finish: Precision ground surfaces for reduced friction and heat buildup.
• Compatibility: Fits factory VW differential carriers and aftermarket "Super Diff" carriers.
• Installation: Direct replacement for OE part number 111-517-121 (verify tooth count).
• Brand: Latest Rage Performance Parts.
• Sold As: Individually (Each).

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Always Replace in Matched Sets

While these gears are sold individually for convenience, we strongly recommend replacing them in pairs for a standard differential, or in sets of four if you are running a Super Diff. Gear teeth wear in "patterns" against one another. Mixing a brand-new gear with an old, worn gear can lead to uneven loading and accelerated wear on the new component. If one gear has failed, the others have likely been subjected to the same stress and metal fatigue. Replacing the entire set ensures a consistent mesh and longevity for your transaxle rebuild. Don''t cut corners on internal transmission parts; the labor to pull the engine and split the case is too high to risk a second teardown.

Tip 2: Inspect and Replace Thrust Washers

When installing new spider gears, it is vital to inspect the concave thrust washers that sit behind them. These washers (often made of bronze or heavy-duty plastic) prevent the steel gear from galling the differential carrier housing. If these washers are worn thin or cracked, the spider gear will sit too deep in the carrier, causing excessive backlash and "slop" in the drivetrain. Always use fresh assembly lube on the back of the gear and the thrust washer during installation to ensure there is adequate lubrication during the initial break-in period before the gear oil fully circulates.

Tip 3: The Super Diff Advantage for Off-Roaders

If you are currently running a standard two-spider gear differential and find yourself replacing these gears frequently, it is time to consider an upgrade to a Super Diff. In a standard setup, all the engine''s torque is distributed across just two small gears. In high-traction situationslike airing down tires in the sand or launching on a prepped trackthose two gears are the first things to shatter. A Super Diff housing allows for the installation of four of these 11