Forged King Pin Trailing Arms, Upper & Lower Pre-65

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring the legendary handling and structural integrity of your vintage Volkswagen, the front suspension is the foundation of every mile you drive. These EMPI Forged King Pin Trailing Arms represent the pinnacle of modern manufacturing meeting classic design. Engineered specifically for Pre-1965 Beetle and Karmann Ghia models equipped with Link Pin front beams, these arms are not flimsy cast reproductions. Instead, they are high-strength forged alloy steel components, just like the original German equipment. By utilizing advanced 3D modeling and SolidWorks CAD technology, EMPI has ensured that every dimension, radius, and tolerance matches or exceeds the factory specifications. This means you can say goodbye to the frustration of trying to align a front end with bent, 60-year-old arms and hello to a crisp, predictable steering response that makes your air-cooled VW a joy to pilot on both winding backroads and modern highways.

Safety and durability are paramount when you are dealing with a vehicle''s steering geometry. Over decades of use, original trailing arms often suffer from "curb rash," stress fractures, or subtle bends that make proper wheel alignment impossible, leading to the dreaded "death wobble" or uneven tire wear. This complete set of four trailing arms (two upper and two lower) provides a total refresh for your front axle, ensuring that your torsion leaves are working in perfect harmony. These arms feature the critical recess for the O-ring seals, which is essential for keeping grease in and road grime out of your beam. Finished in a resilient black coating, they are ready to install right out of the box, offering a professional appearance and long-lasting protection against corrosion. Whether you are building a show-quality restoration, a daily driver, or a rugged woods buggy, these forged arms provide the structural confidence you need to keep your VW tracking straight and true.

FITMENT

This set is designed for Volkswagen Type 1 vehicles equipped with a King and Link Pin front suspension. Please verify your beam type before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1954 through 1965
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965
• Custom Applications: Any aftermarket King Pin / Link Pin front beam using standard-width or narrowed torsions.

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-Duty Forged Alloy Steel
• Finish: Semi-Gloss Black Protective Coating
• Quantity: Full Set of 4 (2 Upper Arms, 2 Lower Arms)
• Compatibility: King Pin / Link Pin (Pre-65) Front Ends
• OE Reference Numbers: 111-405-151C (Lower) and 111-405-105D (Upper)
• Seal Design: Includes recessed area for O-ring grease seals
• Manufacturing Process: 3D CAD Modeled and Precision Forged
• Weight: Approximately 17.55 lbs for the complete set

PRO TIPS

1. Master the Shim Chart for Perfect Alignment

When installing these forged trailing arms, you MUST consult the Volkswagen Link Pin shim chart. The number of shims used on the inside and outside of the link pin determines your camber and ensures the arms are centered within the beam. Never just "eyeball" it or reuse the old shim configuration without checking, as new arms may have slightly different tolerances than your worn-out originals. Using the correct shim count prevents the arms from binding against the beam or having excessive play, both of which can lead to premature wear and poor handling. Always use a high-quality waterproof grease on the link pins during assembly to ensure smooth articulation.

2. Inspect Your Torsion Leaves and Bushings

While you have the front end disassembled to install these new arms, it is the absolute best time to inspect your torsion leaf stacks and the bushings (or bearings) inside the axle beam tubes. If your torsion leaves are cracked or if the inner bushings are scarred, your new trailing arms won''t be able to do their job effectively. Check the ends of the torsion leaves for "mushrooming" or wear where they seat into the arms. If you find significant play between the trailing arm and the beam bushing, consider replacing the bushings or the beam itself to ensure your suspension remains tight and responsive for years to come.

3. Don''t Overlook the O-Rings and Grease Seals

The recess in these EMPI arms is designed specifically to hold the O-ring seal that protects the link pin assembly. It is vital to use fresh, high-quality rubber O-rings and metal dust covers during installation. These seals are the only thing standing between your expensive suspension components and the elements. Make sure the O-ring is properly seated in the recess before tightening the link pin nuts. Once the installation is complete, use a grease gun to fill the beam through the Zerk fittings until you see a small amount of fresh grease purging from the seals; this ensures that no air pockets remain and that all moving surfaces are fully lubricated.