Total Prothane Kit, for Beetle 66-72

OVERVIEW

Transform your classic Volkswagen''s handling and road feel from vague and mushy to laser-precise with the BUGPACK Total Prothane Kit. Over decades of service, original factory rubber bushings become oil-soaked, dry-rotted, and compressed, leading to excessive suspension deflection, wheel hop, and a disconnected steering sensation. This comprehensive kit is designed specifically for the 1966 to 1972 Beetle, providing a complete polyurethane overhaul that replaces every critical wear point in your chassis and drivetrain. By switching to high-performance urethane, you eliminate the unwanted flex inherent in rubber, ensuring that your alignment geometry remains consistent even under heavy cornering or hard acceleration. At Appletree Auto, we know that hunting down individual bushings can be a nightmare of mismatched parts and shipping delays; this "Total Kit" solves that problem by grouping everything you need into one professional-grade package.

The BUGPACK B222002 kit doesn''t just stop at the suspension; it addresses the entire driving experience by including upgraded transmission mounts and shifting components. The inclusion of urethane transmission mounts reduces drivetrain twist, which is essential for preventing "wheel hop" during launches and ensuring that your gear shifts remain crisp and predictable. Furthermore, the kit includes a steering coupler and shift coupler to remove the "slop" commonly found in aging Type 1 steering columns and shift linkages. Whether you are restoring a weekend cruiser to its former glory or building a high-performance street machine that needs to handle the twisties, this kit provides the durability and stiffness required for modern driving conditions. It is the ultimate "weekend warrior" project that yields immediate, tangible results the moment you pull out of the driveway.

FITMENT

This kit is engineered for the following Volkswagen Air-cooled models with a torsion bar front end (Ball Joint) and specific rear suspension configurations:

• Volkswagen Beetle (Standard): 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
• Note: Fits Ball Joint front ends only. Will not fit Super Beetle (1302/1303) strut front suspensions.
• Note: Includes components for both Swing Axle (up to 1968) and IRS (1969-on) rear suspension configurations to ensure total coverage for the 66-72 year range.

SPECS

• Brand: BUGPACK
• Part Number: B222002
• Material: High-Durometer Performance Polyurethane
• Color: Signature BUGPACK Red
• Front Beam Bushings: Complete set for upper and lower torsion tubes
• Rear Spring Plate Bushings: Inner and outer sets included
• Transmission Mounts: 3-piece heavy-duty urethane set
• Steering Components: High-density reinforced steering coupler (rag joint replacement)
• Shift Linkage: Precision-molded shift coupler bushing
• Dust Protection: Durable tie rod end covers
• Suspension Protection: Front and rear bump stops included
• IRS Components: Rear trailing arm pivot bushings
• Weight: 5.6 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Use Proper Lubrication to Prevent Squeaks

One of the most common complaints with polyurethane bushings is a "squeaking" sound over bumps. To prevent this, you must use a high-quality, water-resistant silicone or synthetic grease during installation. Apply a generous coating to any surface where the urethane contacts metal (such as the inner diameter of the bushing and the outer surface of the metal sleeve or torsion arm). Avoid using petroleum-based grease, as it can actually break down certain types of polymers over time. Doing the job right the first time with the correct lubricant ensures a silent, high-performance ride for years to come.

2. The "Fire and Hacksaw" Removal Method

Removing 50-year-old factory rubber bushings can be the hardest part of this install, as they are often vulcanized to the metal shells. For the spring plate and beam bushings, many builders find that carefully heating the old rubber with a propane torch (in a well-ventilated area!) makes it pliable enough to be pushed out with a screwdriver. If the metal outer shell of the old bushing remains stuck in the housing, use a hacksaw blade to carefully cut a notch in the shellbeing careful not to cut into the suspension arm itselfand then collapse the shell with a hammer and chisel for easy removal.

3. Perform a Final Torque Under Load

Never fully tighten your suspension bolts while the car is still up on jack stands with the wheels hanging in the air. If you torque the spring plates or beam components while the suspension is at full "droop," you will pre-load the bushings once the car is lowered to the ground, which can lead to premature wear or an uneven ride height. Instead, get all the hardware "snug," lower the vehicle onto its own weight, bounce the bumper a few times to settle the suspension, and then perform the final torque to factory specifications. This ensures the bushings are neutralized at the standard ride height for maximum longevity.