Rear Trailing Arms, 2 X 2 Longer, DOM Steel for IRS

OVERVIEW

Elevate your off-road performance to professional levels with our 2x2 Longer DOM Steel Rear Trailing Arms. Designed specifically for Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) setups, these arms are the gold standard for Baja Bugs, sand rails, and woods buggies that demand extreme durability and increased wheel travel. By extending the wheelbase by 2 inches and widening the track by 2 inches, these arms provide a significantly more stable footprint, allowing your vehicle to track straighter through high-speed whoops and maintain better composure on technical climbs. Unlike stock cast arms that are prone to snapping under the duress of off-road impacts, our trailing arms are precision-crafted from high-grade DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) steel tubing, offering superior structural integrity and resistance to bending or twisting.

The "2x2" configuration is a favorite among seasoned air-cooled enthusiasts because it strikes the perfect balance between increased suspension geometry and manageable fitment. These arms allow for the installation of larger, more aggressive off-road tires without the constant fear of inner fender well interference. Furthermore, the integrated bearing carriers are designed to accept standard IRS components, making the transition to a long-travel setup smoother. Whether you are building a dedicated desert racer or a rugged weekend warrior, these trailing arms provide the necessary clearance for high-performance coil-over shocks and limit straps, ensuring your rear suspension can cycle through its full range of motion without binding. When you choose Appletree Auto parts, you are investing in components that have been tested in the harshest environments to ensure they won''t let you down when you are miles away from the nearest pavement.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (IRS Models): 1969 through 1977
• VW Super Beetle: 1971 through 1979
• VW Karmann Ghia (IRS Models): 1969 through 1974
• VW Type 3 (IRS Models): 1969 through 1973
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: All custom chassis utilizing a VW IRS torsion housing
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for wide-body or flared fender configurations

SPECS

• Material: High-Strength DOM (Drawn Over Mandrel) Steel Tubing
• Extension: 2 Inches Longer than stock length
• Width: 2 Inches Wider than stock width
• Suspension Type: Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) only
• Bearing Carriers: Integrated heavy-duty steel housings
• Shock Mounts: Dual-shear style for maximum bolt security
• Finish: Raw steel (Requires painting or powder coating prior to installation)
• Pivot Points: Designed for standard urethane or bronze bushings

PRO TIPS

1. Calculate Your Axle Length Requirements

Moving your hubs 2 inches out and 2 inches back drastically changes the distance between your transaxle drive flanges and your wheel bearings. You cannot use stock-length VW axles with these 2x2 trailing arms. As a master tech tip, you will typically need custom-length axles (often around 17-1/4 to 19-1/4 inches depending on your CV joint choice). We highly recommend upgrading to 930-style CV joints at the same time to accommodate the increased angles and torque loads that come with a long-travel 2x2 setup. Always cycle your suspension through the full range of motion without the springs installed to ensure your axles don''t bottom out in the CV cups at full compression or over-extend at full droop.

2. Precision Alignment and Camber Adjustment

When installing 2x2 arms, your rear-end geometry will be completely different from a stock Beetle. It is vital to use adjustable spring plates to fine-tune your ride height and ensure your camber is set correctly. Because these arms widen the track, even a small error in the inner pivot point alignment can lead to significant "toe-in" or "toe-out" issues, which will eat through expensive off-road tires and cause unpredictable handling. Use a string alignment or a laser tracking system after the initial install to ensure the rear wheels are tracking perfectly square with the chassis. Don''t forget to double-check that your brake lines have enough slack to reach the new, extended position of the wheel cylinders or calipers.

3. Bushing Lubrication and Maintenance

To get the most life out of your new DOM trailing arms, pay close attention to the pivot bushings. We recommend using high-quality urethane bushings with a specialized silicone-based waterproof grease. Avoid standard chassis grease, as it can degrade urethane over time. During installation, ensure the inner pivot bolts are torqued to factory specifications only when the vehicle is at its final ride height; tightening them while the suspension is at full droop can "pre-load" the bushings, leading to premature failure and a harsh ride. Regularly inspect the pivot points for play after every major off-road excursion to ensure the mounting tabs on your torsion housing haven''t ovaled out under heavy load.