The Classic Volkswagen front suspension consists of a beam assembly that
houses internal torsion slats that give the vehicle its suspension.
Under a stock format, this works great for an original vehicle. It would
have a classic look and a nostalgic feel. But that is the limit.
A
standard upgrade to a Classic Volkswagen would be a disc brake upgrade.
I get it; you get it; we all get it. We want to be safer....and we
should. But to create that safety, the caliper and rotor combo need to
grow in size to accomplish the feat of slowing a vehicle that wants to
go faster than it really should. This upgrade adds width to the
vehicle's track, making the drive-train under the vehicle wider.
Depending on the vendor you use and the bolt pattern or lug pattern you
use, you can change the width that can and will increase the width of
your front suspension. Anywhere from zero to 1 1/2 inches or 38mm of
track increase can be had with the upgrade.
Another standard
upgrade is the addition of a dropped spindle. All drop spindles for the
Beetle and Ghia add 3/4" (19mm) in total track or 3/8" (9.5mm) on each
side.
More and more enthusiasts are also installing a new set of
wheels on their Classic Volkswagen. With this upgrade, wheels can come
in different offsets and widths that will increase the track width or
decrease the track width.
These three standard upgrades can
change the vehicle's track width tremendously, which means a Narrowed
Beam needs to be purchased to bring the wheels back to OEM specs or
narrower should you want to achieve a particular look or stance. Please
understand the narrower you go without components that add track width
can drastically lower the user experience with the vehicle. Although the
stance might look cool, it won't drive awesome, so keep that in mind.
Since
2007, Airkewld has been building the Ultimate Beam using smelted
American steel. The PRO's have built over 23,000 beams in the last 16
years. If you have been thinking about a suspension upgrade to your
Classic Volkswagen, the PRO's at Airkewld know a thing or two and will
guide you down the right path, even if it doesn't mean a narrowed beam.
Three different options are available to accomplish the same goal.
Order and install an Ultimate Beam narrowed to the needed spec to meet the wanted stance or fitment.
Order a PRObuilt Complete Lowering Kit with all the parts that allow you to have that stance or fitment, including an Ultimate Beam.
Order a spindle to spindle PRObuilt Beam by the Team of PRO's at Airkewld that breathe Volkswagen Drive-Train daily. This, too, includes the Ultimate Beam.
What makes sense for you? If you don't know, ask a PRO. Ask a PRO at Airkewld. It's Free, and the guidance has no strings.
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