Complete King Pin Axle Beam, With Adjusters, Take Off

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring a classic Volkswagen or building a rugged off-road rail, finding a solid foundation is the most critical step in the process. This Complete King Pin Axle Beam offers a turnkey solution for those who demand the legendary durability of the pre-1966 front-end design. Unlike modern ball joint beams, the king pin and link pin configuration is prized by enthusiasts for its superior travel capabilities and its ability to withstand the literal beatings of off-road terrain. These units are genuine "take-off" assemblies, meaning they carry the structural integrity of original German-engineered steel, which many builders prefer over thinner, modern aftermarket reproductions. Because these are shipped as complete assemblies from spindle to spindle, you are saving yourself dozens of hours of sourcing individual torsion leaves, grease seals, and trailing arms.

What sets this particular axle beam apart is the inclusion of pre-installed adjusters. In the air-cooled world, stance is everything, and these adjusters allow you to fine-tune your ride height whether you are looking for a slammed "California Look" street car or a slightly lifted woods buggy. By utilizing a "take-off" core that has been inspected for quality, you get the benefit of a seasoned component that has already proven its structural worth. Please keep in mind that while we make every effort to ensure these beams meet our high standards before they leave the warehouse, they are used vintage parts. This means the king pins and link pins may show signs of their age and could be tight or loose depending on the specific unit. This assembly is the ultimate shortcut for the builder who wants an authentic VW feel with the added versatility of adjustable height right out of the box.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1954 through 1965 (Standard models)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any chassis designed for a standard width king pin front end
• Custom Applications: Ideal for pre-1954 models looking for an adjustable upgrade or later models undergoing a king pin conversion

SPECS

• Part Number: 113-401-025AL
• Beam Type: King Pin and Link Pin (Pre-Ball Joint)
• Configuration: Complete Assembly (Spindle to Spindle)
• Adjusters: Dual pre-installed height adjusters for maximum tunability
• Material: Heavy-duty original equipment stamped and welded steel
• Width: Standard VW width
• Components Included: Axle housing, torsion leaves, upper and lower trailing arms, and spindles
• Weight: Approximately 78.05 lbs
• Condition: Used Take-Off (Inspected for structural integrity)

PRO TIPS

1. The Golden Rule of King Pin Lubrication

If you want this beam to last another sixty years, you must be religious about your grease intervals. King pins and link pins are metal-on-metal wear surfaces that rely entirely on a thin film of grease to prevent galling and seizure. When greasing this unit, it is highly recommended to lift the front end of the vehicle off the ground so the suspension hangs freely. This removes the load from the thrust washers and bushings, allowing the fresh grease to actually penetrate the entire circumference of the pin rather than just taking the path of least resistance. If you don''t see fresh grease squeezing out of the seals, you haven''t finished the job.

2. Dialing in Your Link Pin Shims

Since this is a used take-off assembly, one of the first things you should do before installation is verify the shim stack on your link pins. The offset of the trailing arms is controlled by the arrangement of these shims, and if they are not set correctly for your specific spindles, you will experience binding or excessive "slop" in the steering. Always refer to a factory workshop manual to ensure the correct number of shims are placed on the inside and outside of the arm. Properly shimmed link pins ensure that your camber remains consistent throughout the suspension travel, which is vital for tire longevity and high-speed stability.

3. Realignment After Height Adjustment

It is a common mistake to weld in adjusters or buy an adjustable beam and forget about the geometry changes that occur when you move it. Whenever you use the built-in adjusters on this beam to raise or lower your Volkswagen, you are effectively changing the "toe" of your front tires. Lowering the beam typically causes the tires to toe-out, while raising it causes them to toe-in. After you have found your "perfect" ride height, you must perform a professional alignment or use a string-line method to reset your toe-in to factory specifications. Failing to do this will result in a car that "hunts" across the road and will scrub the tread off your tires in just a few hundred miles.