Delrin Beam Bushings, Fits Most Steel & Aluminum Beams Each

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled machine to the limit, whether it is carving dunes in a sand rail or tackling rugged trails in a Baja Bug, your front suspension is only as reliable as its pivot points. These Latest Rage Delrin Beam Bushings represent a significant upgrade over factory-style needle bearings and standard urethane alternatives. Precision-machined from high-density Delrin (polyoxymethylene), these bushings offer a superior combination of low friction, high stiffness, and incredible dimensional stability. Unlike traditional needle bearings that can shatter under heavy impact or seize when exposed to grit and moisture, Delrin provides a solid, impact-resistant bearing surface that evenly distributes loads across the trailing arm. This results in a tighter, more responsive front end that maintains its alignment geometry even under extreme off-road duress.

The beauty of the Delrin material lies in its "self-lubricating" properties and its resistance to the elements. While urethane bushings are known to squeak and eventually "cold flow" or deform over time, Delrin remains rigid, ensuring your trailing arms move through their travel without the slop associated with worn-out components. These bushings are specifically engineered to fit most aftermarket aluminum and "Warrior" style steel beams. By replacing delicate needle bearings with these robust sleeves, you are effectively "bulletproofing" your front axle beam for long-term performance. Please note that while these are the gold standard for off-road and performance street applications, they require a clean, burr-free beam shell for proper installation. Whether you are building a new beam from scratch or refurbishing an old favorite, these Delrin bushings are the professional''s choice for a maintenance-free, high-performance suspension setup.

FITMENT

These bushings are designed for aftermarket high-performance beams and may not fit stock, unmodified factory VW beams without machining. They are commonly used in the following applications:

• VW Beetle & Super Beetle: Fits aftermarket King Pin and Ball Joint "Warrior" style steel beams.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Compatible with performance aluminum and steel aftermarket beams.
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Ideal for tube-chassis rails using 1-3/4 inch ID beam housings.
• Baja Bugs: Designed to withstand the high-impact loads of off-road racing and desert pre-running.
• Aftermarket Beams: Specifically fits Most Aluminum and Warrior style beams requiring a 1.75-inch OD bushing.
• Note: Most beams require a total of four (4) bushings for a complete overhaul (two per tube).

SPECS

• Material: High-Grade Industrial Delrin (Acetal Resin).
• Outer Diameter at Beam: 1.750 Inches (1-3/4").
• Overall Length: 6.375 Inches (6-3/8").
• Seal Diameter: 2.090 Inches.
• Compatibility: Replaces internal needle bearings in off-road style beams.
• Finish: Natural Machined Black Delrin.
• Quantity: Sold Individually (Each).

PRO TIPS

1. Prepare the Beam Shell Thoroughly

Before you attempt to press these bushings in, you must ensure the inside of your beam tubes are surgical-grade clean. Use a brake hone or a flap wheel on a drill to remove any old grease, rust, or burrs left behind by previous needle bearings. Because Delrin is a rigid material with very tight tolerances, even a small spec of debris or a tiny metal burr can cause the bushing to bind or shave material off during installation. A smooth, polished inner surface ensures the bushing seats perfectly and maintains the correct inner diameter for your trailing arms.

2. Use the Right Lubricant

While Delrin is technically self-lubricating, you should never install them "dry." We highly recommend using a high-quality, waterproof synthetic grease or a moly-based grease during assembly. Apply a light coat to the outside of the bushing to aid in pressing it into the beam, and a generous coat on the inner surface where the trailing arm makes contact. This not only prevents any chance of "stiction" but also acts as a secondary barrier against fine silt and water, which is crucial if you are running in sandy or muddy environments.

3. Use a Controlled Press Method

Whatever you do, don''t reach for the 5-pound sledgehammer to install these. Hitting Delrin directly with a hammer can mushroom the edges or cause the bushing to go in crooked, which will ruin it. Instead, use a hydraulic shop press or a large piece of "all-thread" (threaded rod) with heavy-duty washers and nuts to create a DIY puller-press. This allows you to slowly and evenly draw the bushing into the beam tube. If you feel excessive resistance, stop and check for alignment; the bushing should go in firm but smooth. Ensuring they are perfectly square is the key to a front end that doesn''t bind.