Thing Spindle Upgrade Kit

OVERVIEW

Transform your standard street Beetle into a trail-shredding machine with the EMPI Thing Spindle Upgrade Kit. For decades, off-road enthusiasts and Class 11 racers have scoured junkyards and classified ads searching for elusive Type 181 "Thing" front-end components to gain that legendary ground clearance and suspension travel. Appletree Automotive is proud to offer this comprehensive, all-in-one solution that eliminates the guesswork and the headache of refurbishing 50-year-old, fatigued metal. This kit is specifically engineered to bolt onto your existing Type 1 ball joint beam, providing an immediate 3-inch lift and the rugged durability required for serious off-road abuse. Whether you are building a dedicated Baja Bug, a weekend sand rail, or a SCORE-compliant Class 11 racer, this kit delivers the professional-grade geometry and strength that air-cooled purists demand.

What sets this kit apart is the meticulous attention to modern engineering standards applied to classic VW architecture. EMPI utilized advanced 3D scanning and CAD modeling to ensure that every componentfrom the hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel spindles to the reinforced trailing armsmeets or exceeds original equipment specifications. The spindles are SCORE approved, meaning they are built to withstand the punishing environment of desert racing. We have included pre-installed, high-quality ball joints to save you the significant time and expense of specialized press work. By integrating the spindles, trailing arms, camber adjusters, and eccentric washers into a single SKU, we ensure that your front-end geometry remains precise, predictable, and ready for the Mojave Trail or your local dunes. Don''t settle for piecemeal used parts when you can install a brand-new, engineered system designed for longevity and peace of mind.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1966-1977 (Ball Joint Front Ends)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966-1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974 (Direct OEM Replacement/Upgrade)
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Baja Bugs utilizing a Type 1 Ball Joint Beam
• Racing Classes: SCORE Class 11 Compliant

SPECS

• Spindle Material: Hot Forged 5140 Medium Carbon Steel
• Lift Height: 3-Inch Integrated Lift over standard Type 1 spindles
• Trailing Arm Construction: Reinforced Forged Steel for maximum articulation
• Ball Joints: Heavy-Duty, Pre-Pressed into Trailing Arms
• Kit Components Included:
  • (2) Forged Thing Spindles (Left and Right)
  • (1) Left Lower Trailing Arm
  • (1) Right Lower Trailing Arm
  • (1) Left Upper Trailing Arm
  • (1) Right Upper Trailing Arm
  • (2) Upper Ball Joints (Pre-Installed)
  • (2) Lower Ball Joints (Pre-Installed)
  • (2) Thing Camber Adjusters
  • (2) Eccentric Washers
• Engineering: 3D Scanned and CAD Engineered for precise Fitment
• Finish: Raw Forged Steel (Ready for Paint or Powder Coat)

PRO TIPS

1. Check Your Tie Rod Geometry and Steering Travel

When you install a 3-inch lift spindle, you are significantly changing the resting angle of your tie rods. It is absolutely critical to check for "bump steer" and ensure that your tie rod ends have enough swivel travel to accommodate the new height without binding. We highly recommend upgrading to heavy-duty tie rods and checking the clearance of the tie rod ends against the fuel tank or body at full lock and full suspension compression. If you find the angles are too extreme, you may need to consider a tie rod flip kit or adjusted pitman arm to restore optimal steering geometry.

2. Optimize Your Shock Absorber Length

The primary benefit of the Thing Spindle Kit is increased articulation and travel. However, your stock Beetle shocks will likely become the "limiting factor" and may top out or bottom out prematurely, leading to internal shock damage or broken mounts. After installing this kit, measure the distance between your shock mounts at full hang (droop) and full compression. You will likely need "Long Travel" shocks specifically designed for lifted VW front ends to take full advantage of the increased suspension cycle provided by the Type 181 trailing arm design.

3. Proper Greasing and Break-In Procedures

Since this kit includes brand-new trailing arms and ball joints, don''t overlook the importance of a thorough lubrication schedule. Once the arms are installed into the beam, ensure your grease zerks are clear and pump high-quality moly-based grease into the beam until it begins to purge from the seals. Because these components are forged and new, they may feel stiff initially. After your first 50 miles of off-road use or street driving, we recommend re-torquing the camber adjusters and eccentric washers, as the initial "settling" of the forged components can slightly alter your alignment settings.