Cv Joint Cage, Chromoly for Type 2 CV, Clearanced, Each

High-Performance Drivetrain Strength for Your Air-Cooled Legend

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to its absolute limits, whether on the shifting dunes of Glamis or the technical rock trails of Moab, the drivetrain is often the first place to show signs of weakness. Stock CV cages are notorious for shattering under the stress of high-horsepower engines or the extreme articulation found in modern long-travel suspension setups. That is why this EMPI Chromoly CV Joint Cage is an essential upgrade for any serious enthusiast. Specifically designed for the Type 2 (Bus) 100mm CV joint, this cage is manufactured from high-strength 4340 chromoly steel, providing a massive leap in durability compared to standard cast or mild steel components. By choosing chromoly, you are ensuring that your CV joints can handle the shock loads and torque spikes that come with aggressive off-road driving, giving you the peace of mind that you won''t be stranded with a broken axle in the middle of nowhere.

What sets this cage apart from budget replacements is the meticulous attention to detail in its precision engineering. These cages are "clearanced," meaning the windows have been specially radiused and machined to allow for greater angularity without binding or interference. This is absolutely critical for off-road buggies, sand rails, and lifted Transporters where the suspension often moves through a wide arc, putting the CV joint at angles that would cause a stock cage to seize or snap. Furthermore, the surface-ground tolerances ensure a precision fit within the inner and outer races, reducing friction and heat buildup during high-speed operation. Whether you are rebuilding a set of high-performance axles or simply upgrading your existing Type 2 CVs for a heavy-duty street application, these EMPI chromoly cages provide the professional-grade reliability required for the most demanding air-cooled projects.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This chromoly cage is designed specifically for the Type 2 (100mm) CV joint, which is a staple in both stock and high-performance VW builds. It fits the following applications:

• Volkswagen Type 2 Bus: 1968 through 1979 models.
• Volkswagen Type 181 Thing: All years utilizing the 100mm CV joint.
• Custom Off-Road Beetles: Ideal for "Baja Bugs" converted to use Type 2 Bus axles and CVs.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Any custom chassis utilizing a 100mm Type 2 CV joint drivetrain.
• Vanagon (Early): Fits early Vanagon models that utilize the compatible 100mm joint style.

Technical Specifications

Engineering excellence is found in the specs. This cage is built to exceed the requirements of the original equipment manufacturer.

• Material: High-Strength 4340 Chromoly Steel.
• CV Joint Application: Type 2 (100mm Outer Diameter) Joint.
• Window Design: Radiused and Clearanced for high-angle suspension travel.
• Finish: Precision Surface Ground for exact tolerances.
• Part Number: 16-2633-0.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each).
• Heat Treatment: Case-hardened for maximum wear resistance and core toughness.

Expert Pro Tips from Appletree Auto

1. Proper Orientation is Paramount

When installing your new chromoly cage into the CV inner and outer race, pay close attention to the orientation. CV cages have a "wide land" and a "narrow land" side. If you install the cage upside down, the joint will not articulate correctly and can bind or fail almost immediately. Always dry-fit the assembly without grease first to ensure the joint moves freely through its entire range of motion before final assembly. If it feels "notchy" or gets stuck, double-check your cage and inner race orientation.

2. Never Skimp on Grease Quality

Because these chromoly cages are designed for high-stress and high-angle environments, they generate more internal heat than a standard street-driven setup. We highly recommend using a high-quality, high-moly (Molybdenum Disulfide) grease specifically formulated for off-road CV joints. Do not use standard chassis grease, as it will break down under the high temperatures and pressure found inside a 100mm CV joint at a 20-degree angle. Pack the joint thoroughly, ensuring grease is forced into every window of the cage.

3. Check for "Full Droop" Binding

After installing your upgraded CV joints with these clearanced cages, always cycle your suspension with the vehicle on jack stands. Rotate the wheels by hand while the suspension is at "full droop" (the lowest point of travel). Even with clearanced cages, if your suspension travel exceeds the physical limits of the CV joint, you will feel a "click" or a bind. If this occurs, you may need to install limit straps to prevent the CV from over-extending, which protects your new chromoly investment from catastrophic failure.