King Pin Trailing Arms, 1-1/2 For Thru Rods or Leafs

OVERVIEW

When it comes to conquering the dunes or navigating punishing desert trails, your air-cooled VW''s front suspension is the first line of defense. The Latest Rage King Pin Trailing Arms are engineered to transform your front end into a high-performance, off-road machine by providing an additional 1-1/2 inches of length over stock components. This extension isn''t just about looks; it significantly improves your vehicle''s wheelbase stability and allows for increased suspension travel, which is critical when you are hammering through whoops or landing after a jump. These arms are crafted from high-strength forged steel, ensuring they can withstand the brutal vertical and lateral forces that would easily twist or snap a standard factory stamping. Whether you are building a dedicated Baja Bug, a lightweight Sand Rail, or a rugged Manx-style buggy, these trailing arms provide the structural integrity required for serious dirt duty.

Versatility is at the core of the AC413052 design, as these arms are fully compatible with both traditional torsion leaves and modern thru-rod (coil-over) setups. This flexibility allows you to tune your spring rate and damping characteristics to match your specific racing or recreation needs. By moving the spindle forward, you gain much-needed clearance for larger off-road tires, preventing the dreaded "rub" against the inner wheel wells or the beam itself during hard cornering. It is important to note that while these arms utilize the original style shock mounts for ease of installation, the increased length and geometry change require a 5/8-inch shock spacer to maintain proper alignment and prevent binding. When you choose Latest Rage components from Appletree Auto, you are investing in a legacy of off-road excellence that prioritizes durability, precision, and peak performance in the harshest environments imaginable.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: Pre-1965 models equipped with King Pin/Link Pin front beams.
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: Pre-1965 models with King Pin front ends.
• Baja Bug Conversions: Any Beetle utilizing a Link Pin style front beam for off-road use.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Custom chassis built around VW King Pin beam dimensions.
• Myers Manx: Original and replica kits using the early style VW front suspension.

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty Forged Steel for maximum tensile strength.
• Extension Length: 1-1/2 Inches (1.5" over stock).
• Width/Offset: 3/4 Inch offset for improved track width and clearance.
• Front End Style: Specifically for King Pin / Link Pin beams.
• Spring Compatibility: Works with Torsion Leaf Stacks or Thru Rods.
• Shock Mounting: Standard VW eyelet style (Requires 5/8" spacer, sold separately).
• Finish: Raw forged finish, ready for paint, powder coat, or chrome.
• SKU: AC413052.
• Product Weight: Approximately 31.3 lbs per set.

PRO TIPS

1. Mastering the Shock Geometry

Because these arms are extended 1-1/2 inches, the angle of your front shocks will change significantly compared to a stock setup. As mentioned in the specs, you MUST use a 5/8-inch shock spacer on the mounting stud. Without this spacer, the shock body may come into contact with the trailing arm or the beam towers during full compression or extension, leading to bent shock shafts or blown seals. Always cycle your suspension through its full range of motion without the springs installed to ensure that the shock, arm, and tie rods have zero interference before you head out to the trails.

2. Link Pin Shimming and Alignment

Installing extended arms often changes the camber and caster dynamics of your front end. When assembling the link pins into these new arms, pay close attention to the shimming sequence. Proper shimming is vital to ensure the spindle is perfectly vertical and that there is no excessive "slop" or binding in the link pin carrier. We highly recommend using new high-quality link pins and bushings during the installation of these arms. A properly shimmed front end with extended arms will track straighter at high speeds and reduce the feedback felt through the steering wheel when hitting obstacles.

3. Maintenance and Lubrication

In the world of off-road air-cooled Volkswagens, grease is your best friend. These forged arms are designed for extreme environments where dust, silt, and water are constant threats. Ensure that your beam is packed with high-pressure, water-resistant grease. Because the extended length of the arm increases the leverage applied to the beam bushings, keeping the pivot points well-lubricated is essential to prevent premature wear on the beam itself. Check your grease zerks after every major outing and pump in fresh grease until you see the old, contaminated grease being pushed out of the seals.