Rear Trailing Arms, Stock X Stock Size, DOM Steel for IRS

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your air-cooled VW to its limits, the factory stamped-steel trailing arms are often the first point of failure. Our Stock X Stock DOM Steel Rear Trailing Arms are engineered to eliminate that weak link, providing a rugged, heavy-duty alternative that maintains your factory geometry while significantly increasing structural integrity. Whether you''re navigating desert washes in a Baja Bug or looking for a more stable, predictable rear end on your street-driven IRS Beetle, these arms offer the peace of mind that comes with Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) steel construction. Unlike the original factory components that can twist, buckle, or crack under high-torque loads or rough terrain, these arms are built to handle the abuse that modern air-cooled enthusiasts demand without compromising the classic VW handling characteristics you love.

The standout feature of these trailing arms is the integration of Chromoly bearing carriers, ensuring that your rear wheel bearings are housed in a material that resists distortion even under extreme heat and pressure. By maintaining the stock OEM length and width, these arms are a direct-fit replacement for your existing IRS setup, meaning you won''t have to worry about changing your axle lengths or recalculating wheel offsets. Please note that these arms are shipped in raw steel and do not include shock bosses. This deliberate design choice allows builders and fabricators the flexibility to weld their shock mounts at the precise angle and position required for their specific suspension travel and shock diameter. It is the ultimate upgrade for the VW owner who wants to maintain a factory stance while gaining professional-grade durability and a platform for custom suspension tuning.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1969-1977 (IRS Models)
• VW Super Beetle: 1971-1979
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1969-1974
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1969-1973
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1975
• Custom Applications: Dune Buggies, Sand Rails, and Manx clones utilizing a factory VW IRS pivot and subframe setup.

SPECS

• Material: High-Strength DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) Steel Tubing.
• Bearing Carrier Material: Heavy-Duty Chromoly Steel.
• Length: Stock OEM Specification.
• Width: Stock OEM Specification.
• Suspension Configuration: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension).
• Shock Mounts: Shock Bosses NOT included (Requires welding).
• Finish: Raw Steel (Must be painted or powder-coated to prevent corrosion).
• Bearing Compatibility: Accepts standard VW IRS inner and outer bearings and seals.
• Weight: Approximately 40.05 lbs per pair.

PRO TIPS

1. Precision Shock Boss Placement is Critical

Since these arms do not come with shock bosses pre-installed, you have a unique opportunity to optimize your suspension geometry. Before you strike an arc, we highly recommend mocking up the trailing arm with your specific shock choice and tire size. Cycle the suspension through its full range of motion to ensure the shock body does not interfere with the axle or the tire sidewall at full compression. Welding the boss slightly forward or backward can drastically change your leverage ratio and shock effectiveness, so take the time to measure twice and weld once for the best ride quality.

2. Inspect and Prep Your Bearing Surfaces

Because these arms utilize high-performance Chromoly bearing carriers, the tolerances are very tight. Before installing your new bearings and races, ensure the internal surfaces are free of any debris, shipping oil, or surface flash-rust. We recommend a light coat of assembly lube or a very thin film of anti-seize on the race outer diameter to assist with the press-fit. Always use a proper bearing driver tool rather than a hammer and punch to prevent scarring the Chromoly carrier or damaging the new bearing races, which could lead to premature failure on the trail or street.

3. Don''t Overlook Your Pivot Bushings

When upgrading to heavy-duty DOM trailing arms, your old, dry-rotted rubber pivot bushings will become the new weak point in your rear suspension. To truly take advantage of the rigidity of these arms, we recommend installing a fresh set of high-quality Urethane or Delrin pivot bushings. These will reduce "trailing arm walk" and keep your rear alignment settings consistent under hard cornering or acceleration. Since these arms are raw steel, ensure you mask off the pivot bores and the bearing carrier internals before painting or powder-coating to ensure a perfect fitment during final assembly.