Trailing Arm Half Kit, 3X3 Arms, for Type 2 CV

OVERVIEW

When it comes to building a serious off-road machine, the rear suspension is where the rubber meets the dirt, and this Trailing Arm Half Kit with 3x3 DOM arms is the gold standard for performance. By extending the wheelbase by 3 inches and widening the track by 3 inches, these arms provide a massive increase in stability and wheel travel, allowing your Baja Bug or Dune Buggy to soak up the whoops and navigate technical terrain with ease. Crafted from high-quality D.O.M. (Drawn Over Mandrel) steel, these arms offer superior strength-to-weight ratios compared to standard seamed tubing, ensuring they won''t buckle or bend when you''re airing it out in the dunes or crawling through rock gardens. This kit isn''t just about raw size; it''s about intelligent engineering that transforms your Type 1 IRS suspension into a competition-ready setup.

This kit is specifically designed to utilize Type 2 (Bus) CV joints, which are a massive upgrade over the standard Type 1 units. The included stub axles facilitate this conversion, allowing for greater angularity and durability, which is essential when you have increased travel from the 3x3 geometry. We have bundled this as a ''half kit'' to provide the critical heavy-duty componentsincluding the arms, stub axles, bearings, and sealswhile giving you the flexibility to choose your own CV joints and axles based on your specific power levels and budget. Every component, from the precision-machined end caps to the high-quality inner and outer bearings, has been selected to ensure a seamless installation and long-term reliability in the harshest environments. Whether you are building a weekend sand rail or a dedicated desert racer, this kit provides the robust foundation needed for a professional-grade rear end.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (IRS Models): 1969-1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969-1974
• VW Type 181 Thing: 1973-1974
• Custom Dune Buggies: All IRS-based tube chassis
• Sand Rails: All IRS-based tube chassis
• Baja Bugs: All converted or factory IRS models

SPECS

• Trailing Arm Length: 3 Inches Extended (3x3 Geometry)
• Trailing Arm Width: 3 Inches Wider (3x3 Geometry)
• Material: Heavy-Duty D.O.M. (Drawn Over Mandrel) Steel Tubing
• CV Type Compatibility: Type 2 (100mm) CV Joints
• Stub Axles: Type 1 to Type 2 Conversion Stub Axles included
• Bearings Included: 2 Inner Bearings, 2 Outer Bearings
• Bushings: 1 Pair of High-Density IRS Bushings
• Seals: 2 Rear Axle Seal Kits and 2 Rear Axle Seals
• Housing Components: 1 Pair of Axle Housing End Caps
• Hardware: 1 IRS Axle Spacer Kit
• Weight: Approximately 69.77 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Limit Straps for CV Longevity

When installing 3x3 trailing arms, it is absolutely vital to install high-quality limit straps. Because these arms allow for significantly more wheel travel than stock, it is easy to over-extend the CV joints at full droop. If the Type 2 CV joints reach an angle greater than their design limit (typically around 22 to 24 degrees depending on the brand), they will bind and eventually shatter. Set your limit straps so that the suspension stops just before the CV joints reach their maximum angle. This protects your axles, your transaxle, and your investment during hard landings or when the wheels leave the ground.

2. Proper Bearing Greasing and Seating

Don''t rush the installation of the inner and outer bearings. Use a high-quality, high-temp wheel bearing grease and ensure that the bearings are fully packed before they are pressed into the housing. When installing the rear axle seals, ensure the seating surface is perfectly clean and free of burrs. A small amount of sealant on the outer edge of the seal can help prevent leaks, but the most important factor is ensuring the seal is driven in straight. Improperly seated bearings or seals are the leading cause of premature failure in off-road trailing arm setups.

3. Shock Geometry and Mount Reinforcement

Since 3x3 arms move the hub location significantly, your existing shock mounts will likely need to be relocated or replaced with custom towers. For the best performance, you want to achieve a 1:1 motion ratio or as close as possible to maximize the effectiveness of your dampening. Additionally, because of the increased leverage that 3x3 arms place on the chassis pivot points, we highly recommend inspecting and reinforcing your torsion housing or pivot boxes. Doubling up the thickness of the mounting tabs or adding a support brace across the frame horns will prevent the increased torque from "walling out" your mounting holes over time.