23 Axle Assembly, 930 CV Joints

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your off-road machine, the stock drivetrain components simply won''t cut it. That is where the EMPI 23-Inch Axle Assembly with 930 CV Joints comes into play, offering a massive upgrade in strength, articulation, and reliability. Specifically engineered for Volkswagen enthusiasts running 3x3 trailing arms, this kit is designed to handle the extreme angles and high-torque demands of sand dunes, rocky trails, and desert racing. By utilizing the legendary 930-style constant velocity joints, this assembly allows for significantly more suspension travel compared to standard Type 1 or Type 2 joints, ensuring that your power reaches the ground even when your suspension is fully cycled. Whether you are building a dedicated sand rail or a heavy-duty Baja Bug, this complete kit provides the peace of mind that your drivetrain is built to survive the harshest environments imaginable.

This comprehensive package from Appletree Automotive eliminates the guesswork of piecing together a performance drivetrain. Each kit includes a pair of 23-inch chromoly axles, four high-performance 930 CV joints, and all the necessary boots, grease, and hardened bolts to complete the installation. The 23-inch length is the industry standard for vehicles equipped with 3x3 (3 inches wider, 3 inches longer) aftermarket trailing arms, providing the perfect geometry to prevent binding or bottoming out during aggressive driving. EMPI has long been a leader in air-cooled VW performance, and this axle assembly represents their commitment to quality and durability. By upgrading to 930 CVs, you are not just getting stronger components; you are gaining the ability to run higher horsepower engines and more aggressive tire setups without the constant fear of snapping an axle or exploding a joint in the middle of nowhere.

FITMENT

This axle assembly is designed specifically for custom off-road applications and is not a direct replacement for stock-width vehicles. It is intended for use with:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): Equipped with aftermarket 3x3 Trailing Arms.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Utilizing a VW-based transaxle and 3x3 rear suspension geometry.
• Baja Bugs: Modified with long-travel rear suspension kits.
• Custom Off-Road Chassis: Any vehicle utilizing a 930-flange transaxle and 23-inch axle requirements.
• Transaxle Compatibility: Fits 002, 091, and Mendeola transaxles equipped with 930 drive flanges.

SPECS

• Product Code: 16-2239-0
• Axle Length: 23 Inches (End to End).
• CV Joint Type: 930 (Porsche Style) High-Articulation.
• Axle Material: High-Strength Chromoly Steel.
• Spline Count: 28-Spline (Standard for 930 CVs).
• Kit Contents: 2 Axles, 4 CV Joints, 4 Boot Kits, 24 CV Bolts.
• Trailing Arm Compatibility: Optimized for 3x3 Trailing Arms.
• Maximum Articulation: Designed for long-travel suspension setups.
• Finish: Black Oxide or Machined Steel (varies by component).
• Hardware: 12-point or Allen head high-clearance bolts included.

PRO TIPS

PRO TIP 1: Proper Greasing is Non-Negotiable. When assembling your 930 CV joints, do not just smear grease on the outside. You must "pack" the joints similarly to how you would pack a wheel bearing. Force the high-moly grease into the cages and around the balls until it is fully integrated into the internal raceways. Use roughly one tube of grease per jointhalf inside the joint itself and the other half inside the boot. This ensures that even at high operating temperatures and extreme angles, the metal-on-metal surfaces remain lubricated, preventing premature wear or catastrophic failure during your first outing.

PRO TIP 2: Phase Your Axles Correctly. Many builders overlook "axle phasing," which is the alignment of the CV joints on the axle shaft. When installing the joints onto the 23-inch chromoly axles, ensure that the inner and outer joints are aligned in the same orientation relative to the splines. While CV joints are inherently smoother than U-joints, proper phasing helps minimize harmonic vibrations at high speeds. Additionally, always double-check that the snap rings are fully seated in the grooves. A snap ring that isn''t perfectly clicked into place can lead to an axle "walking" out of the joint, which will end your day on the trail immediately.

PRO TIP 3: The "10-Mile Torque Check." High-performance CV bolts are notorious for stretching or settling after the first few heat cycles. After you install this kit, take the vehicle for a short, moderate drive to let the components find their "home." Once you return, get back under the car and re-torque every single one of the 24 CV bolts to the manufacturer''s specifications. We highly recommend using Schnorr washers or a specialized locking compound to prevent the bolts from backing out due to the vibrations inherent in off-road racing. A loose CV bolt can shear off, leading to a chain reaction that destroys the boot and eventually the joint itself.