Torsion Eliminator Kit, for Stock Torsion Housing

OVERVIEW

Transitioning from the archaic torsion bar system to a modern coil-over setup is one of the single most impactful upgrades you can perform on your air-cooled Volkswagen. Appletree Automotive''s Torsion Eliminator Kit is engineered specifically for those who demand more adjustability and better dampening than the factory leaf-spring style bars can provide. By removing the heavy, fixed-rate torsion bars and replacing them with our high-strength eliminator brackets, you open the door to a world of suspension tuning possibilities. Whether you are building a dedicated off-road sand rail, a rugged Baja Bug, or a high-performance street machine, this kit provides the structural foundation needed to support a true coil-over conversion while utilizing your existing stock torsion housing without the need for radical fabrication.

Every component in this kit is manufactured in-house at Appletree to ensure the highest standards of quality and durability. We understand that the rear suspension takes the brunt of the abuse, especially in off-road environments, which is why we have included massive 3/4-inch chromoly rod ends to handle the lateral loads and articulation required for serious travel. The bolt-on design means you won''t have to spend hours with a welder or a torch to get your project moving; it utilizes the existing mounting points on your stock housing for a seamless integration. This kit doesn''t just simplify your rear endit transforms the handling characteristics of your VW, giving you the ability to swap spring rates and adjust ride height in minutes rather than hours. It is the ultimate solution for the enthusiast looking to modernize their classic IRS suspension system.

FITMENT

This Torsion Eliminator Kit is designed for vehicles equipped with a stock Volkswagen IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) torsion housing. It is compatible with the following models and applications:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1969 through 1977 (IRS models)
• Volkswagen Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1969 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1969 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Sand Rails, Dune Buggies, and Manx-style fiberglass buggies utilizing a stock VW IRS torsion housing.

SPECS

The Appletree Automotive Torsion Eliminator Kit is built for maximum strength and precision. Below are the technical specifications for this kit:

• Housing Compatibility: Fits stock VW IRS torsion housings.
• Rod End Material: 3/4-inch Heavy-Duty Chromoly for superior tensile strength.
• Construction: High-grade steel brackets, CNC machined for a perfect fit.
• Mounting Hardware: Designed to bolt directly into existing factory holes.
• Kit Contents: 2 complete Torsion Eliminator assemblies (Driver and Passenger sides).
• Finish: Raw steel (recommended to paint or powder coat after test fitting).
• Suspension Type: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) ONLY.
• Manufacturing: Proudly manufactured in-house at Appletree Automotive.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Reinforce Your Shock Mounts

When you eliminate the torsion bars, the entire weight of the rear of the vehicle is transferred from the torsion housing to the shock mounts. Stock VW shock towers were never intended to carry the full load of the vehicle; they were designed only for dampening. It is absolutely critical that you reinforce your upper shock mounts or tie them into a roll cage or a "Kafer Cup" style brace. Failing to do so can lead to the shock towers cracking or shearing off under heavy loads or during off-road use. Always ensure your coil-over mounting points are up to the task of supporting the vehicle''s static and dynamic weight.

Tip 2: Dialing In Your Spring Rates

Since you are moving to a coil-over setup, you are no longer restricted by the factory torsion bar spring rates. When choosing your coil-over springs, consider the weight of your engine and transaxle. A heavy Type 4 engine or a water-cooled conversion will require a much stiffer spring than a lightweight 1600cc single-port. We recommend starting with a dual-rate spring setup if you plan on doing both street driving and off-road trail riding. This allows for a soft initial take-up for comfort, with a firmer secondary rate to prevent bottoming out during hard impacts.

Tip 3: Rod End Maintenance and Alignment

The 3/4-inch chromoly rod ends included in this kit are incredibly strong, but they are precision components that require occasional maintenance. Before final installation, apply a small amount of anti-seize to the threads of the rod ends to prevent galling and to make future adjustments easier. After your first few hours of driving, check the jam nuts to ensure they remain tight. Additionally, because this kit changes how the trailing arm is supported, you should always perform a rear-end alignment to check your toe and camber settings. Proper alignment is the difference between a car that tracks straight and one that "dog-tracks" down the highway.