Thru Rod, for 8 Wider Front Beeams, Pair

High-Performance Suspension Control for 8-Inch Wider Beams

When you''re pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen off-road, the factory torsion leaf spring setup eventually becomes the bottleneck for performance. This EMPI Thru Rod kit is the definitive solution for enthusiasts running 8-inch wider front beams who are ready to graduate to a true coil-over suspension system. By eliminating the heavy and limited-travel leaf stacks, these rods provide a solid, low-friction pivot point for your trailing arms. This transition is essential for sand rails, dune buggies, and woods buggies that require the dampening precision and adjustable ride height that only high-quality coil-over shocks can provide. Designed with the rigors of the desert in mind, these rods ensure that your front end remains stable and predictable even when navigating the harshest terrain.

Engineering a wide-track front end requires components that can handle increased leverage and stress, and that''s exactly where this pair of heavy-duty thru rods excels. Specifically sized for beams that have been widened by 8 inches over the stock width, these rods are manufactured from high-tensile steel to prevent bowing or snapping under extreme compression. The kit includes the necessary hardware to secure your trailing arms firmly, allowing them to cycle through their full range of travel without the binding often associated with old, rusted leaf packs. Whether you''re building a dedicated Class 5 Baja Bug or a high-speed sand rail, these EMPI thru rods offer the structural integrity and smooth operation required to keep your front wheels planted and your steering responsive. Don''t settle for a compromised front end when you can step up to the industry standard for long-travel off-road performance.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This Thru Rod kit is specifically engineered for custom off-road front beams and is not intended for stock-width street applications. It fits the following:

• Custom VW Front Beams: Designed exclusively for beams widened by 8 inches (Total width +8 over stock).
• VW King Pin (Link Pin) Front Ends: Commonly used on early Beetle-based off-roaders and buggies.
• VW Ball Joint Front Ends: Compatible with widened Ball Joint beams utilizing coil-over conversions.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Ideal for Chenowth, Berrien, and custom-fabricated tube chassis.
• Baja Bugs: For high-clearance, long-travel front suspension setups.

Technical Specifications and Materials

Every component in this pair is built to exceed the demands of off-road racing and recreational trail riding. Below are the technical details for the 17-2547-0 kit:

• Application: 8-Inch Wider Front Beams.
• Material: High-Carbon Cold Rolled Steel for maximum tensile strength.
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Includes 2 rods and hardware).
• Hardware Included: Heavy-duty nyloc nuts and thick flat washers for secure fastening.
• Finish: Raw steel finish (Installation may require lubrication or coating to prevent surface corrosion).
• Function: Replaces internal torsion leaves to facilitate the use of coil-over shocks.
• Weight: Approximately 7.3 lbs for the pair.

Pro Tips from the Appletree Specialist

Tip 1: Proper Lubrication is Paramount

Even though you are removing the torsion leaves, your trailing arms still need to rotate smoothly on these thru rods. When installing, ensure that your beam bushings or bearings are in excellent condition. We highly recommend using a high-pressure waterproof grease on the rods themselves and within the beam tubes. Since off-road vehicles are frequently exposed to sand, silt, and water, keeping these pivot points greased will prevent the rods from galling and ensure your suspension reacts instantly to every bump in the trail. Check your Zerk fittings regularly after every major outing.

Tip 2: Squaring the Front End

When installing thru rods on a widened beam, it is easy to accidentally "preload" the trailing arms if they aren''t perfectly aligned. Before tightening the nyloc nuts, ensure that your trailing arms are seated fully against the beam faces and that the thru rod is centered. Use a tape measure to verify the distance between the arms on both the top and bottom tubes. If the arms are not square, you will experience premature wear on the rods and erratic handling. Always use the provided thick washers to distribute the clamping force evenly across the face of the trailing arm pivot.

Tip 3: Matching Coil-Over Spring Rates

Remember that once these thru rods are installed, your front beam no longer provides any "spring" to hold up the vehicle. All the weight of your VW and the force of the terrain are now handled entirely by your coil-over shocks. It is critical to select the correct spring rate for your specific vehicle weight. Most 2-seat sand rails with a widened beam perform best with a 100lb to 150lb spring, but heavier Baja Bugs may require more. If your suspension feels too soft or "mushy" after installing these rods, you likely need to move to a heavier spring or adjust the valving in your shocks to compensate for the loss of the torsion leaves.