The BEST way to add Air Ride to a Classic Volkswagen Type 3, is by installing a Stage 2 PRObuilt Conversion Beam. When the PRO's say complete, they mean complete. You will not need anything in addition to this assembly.
The Stage 2 PRObuilt Beam is built on the Ultimate Beam platform. It's made four inches narrower than OEM to allow for wider wheels, drop spindles, and disc brakes, that add track width.
The complete beam comes as you see it, spindle to spindle, with an entire PRObuilt steering system installed and ready to bolt in and go. For a
full list of details included with the beam assembly, visit the Complete
Details section
here.
Made in the USA |
Product updated 6/15/23 by Pete
Typical time to install - 6 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools NeededMore Information
Doing air ride on a Type 3.......is difficult.
The PRO's had an idea with a few minor changes; we can update the front
suspension to a 1969 Karmann Ghia and reap all the rewards of drop
spindles, narrowed beams, and American-made disc brake kits.
The installation of this beam requires a couple minor mods. It requires
two holes drilled into the trunk section for the shock studs, trimming
of the pinch mold on the front bulkhead and the bottom mounts. For more
info on the mods, please read the
install article here.
What's included?
This
Stage 2 PRObuilt Beam is spindle to spindle and four inch narrowed. It comes powder-coated, satin
black, ready to install.
The front end comes complete with the following;
- New Ultimate Adjustable Beam
- Through Rods
- New Tie rods
- New Air Ride Shocks
- New Drum Drop Spindles (CB Performance/EMPI) or OEM Spindles
- New Steering Dampener
- New Hardware
- New Grease Zerks
- Premium Tie rod Ends
- Premium Ball Joints
- PRObuilt Steering Box filled with Corn Head Grease
- Reconditioned pitman/drop arm/clamp
- PRObuilt Control Arms
- New eccentrics
What's recommended?
- If you are going for the dropped look and want to run either Airkewld's GEN 2 Disc Brake kit or your factory drums opt for the DRUM Drop Spindles. If you keep your Factory Disc Brakes (4 lug), opt for the DISC Drop Spindles. If you are keeping the drop moderate, a stock height spindle for the drum or factory disc is available.
- If
you want to make this beam install even more complete, maybe installing
a GEN 2 Disc Brake kit might make sense. To have the PRO's install
them, you will need to add the labor to do that
here, then choose your
disc brake kit
here.
- You will need an Air Management Kit (AMK) to lift and lower the vehicle on demand. If you are only doing front air ride, you can use a 2 valve AMK and use one valve per corner. This will eliminate sway left to right when turning. Trust me. If you are going to do full air ride, then the 4 valve AMK is what you need. (If you decide to use a different manufacture for air management, the PRO's will be UNABLE to tech support any issues you have as we will be unable to replicate the issue in house).
- If your steering coupler from your column to your steering box has seen better days, the PRO's suggest the OEM PRObuilt Steering Box Coupler found here.
Kewl Features
- American made
- 7.5 inches of up-and-down movement
- Taller
shock towers allow for the use of shocks that will work with any ride
height adjustment
- Industries finest packaging to ensure it will arrive to you unscathed
FAQ
- Do I need to do body mods to install this beam? Maybe. Depending on the year, a single hole might need to be drilled.
- Do I need to send in a core? No.
- Will I need anything in addition to this assembly? No. It's as complete as it comes from the factory.
- Why is the lower bushing fatter than the top bushing? This update
was made to get the best camber adjustment possible with a lowered ball
joint suspension. It allows the eccentric to be in the center of
adjustment in the middle range and meet the needs if you are slammed or
stock height.
The front end will be coated apart and assembled to keep the clean look with new hardware. It's set to the medium height setting so that you can adjust it to your liking. It's pre-greased, and alignment will set in a rough application for shipping.