Home > Learn > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) > What is a Narrowed Beam and why do I need it?
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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Ultimate Adjustable VW Front Ball Joint Beam - 2100 Ultimate Adjustable VW Front Ball Joint Beam - 2100

Ball Joint Torsions are currently on back order as of 7/25/24. So if you order a beam and need torsions now, you will need to cut down your factory torsions.

A better way to lower a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with ball joint front suspension (1966 through 1977) other than utilizing adjusters in the center of the beam is to order an Ultimate Adjustable Front Beam.

The Ultimate Beam (UB) allows you to adjust your ride height from stock height down to *seven inches on average. The UB has Delrin bushings, a steering dampener bracket, and grease-able zerks. The UB can come in stock width, up to 4" narrowed with shock towers. New torsions, tie rods, and shocks are recommended for the best overall user experience. If you don't know what beam makes the most sense, click here.

4" Narrowed is in Stock.

There are three ways to lower your 1966 through 1977 Type 1. Good, Better, Best.

Good
- Install a pair of adjusters, based on budget and skill set - no tech support
Better - Install an Ultimate Beam - Tech Support Included
Best - Install an assembled beam like the Stage 1 PRObuilt Beam - Tech Support Included

Made in the USA | Product updated 12/25/23 by Pete

Typical time to install - 4 Hours |
Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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List Price $1,199.99
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Ultimate Adjustable VW Front Link Pin Beam - 2102 Ultimate Adjustable VW Front Link Pin Beam - 2102

Link Pin Torsions are currently on back order as of 7/25/24. So if you order a beam and need torsions now, you will need to cut down your factory torsions.

A better way to lower a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with link pin front suspension (1949 through 1965) other than utilizing adjusters in the center of the beam is to order an Ultimate Adjustable Front Beam.

The Ultimate Beam (UB) allows you to adjust your ride height from stock height down to *seven inches on average. The UB has Delrin bushings, a steering dampener bracket, and grease-able zerks. The UB can come in stock width, up to 4" narrowed with shock towers. New torsions, tie rods, and shocks are recommended for the best overall user experience. If you don't know what beam makes the most sense, click here. This beam replaces the factory beam part number 113401021A.

4" Narrowed and Stock Width LHD are in stock


There are three ways to lower your 1949 through 1965 Type 1. Good, Better, Best.

Good
- Install a pair of adjusters, based on budget and skill set - no tech support
Better - Install an Ultimate Beam - Tech Support Included
Best - Install an assembled beam like the Stage 1 PRObuilt Beam - Tech Support Included

Made in the USA | Product updated 12/25/23 by Pete

Typical time to install - 4 Hours |
Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

More Information

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List Price $1,199.99
Airkewld Army Price $849.99 Each
Savings: $350.00
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6 Inch Ultimate Narrowed / Adjustable Shockless VW Ball Joint Front Beam - 2112 6 Inch Ultimate Narrowed / Adjustable Shockless VW Ball Joint Front Beam - 2112

Ball Joint Torsions are currently on back order as of 7/25/24. So if you order a beam and need torsions now, you will need to cut down your factory torsions to get it out within 24hours. If not, expect this beam to ship in about 30 days.

A better way to lower a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with ball joint front suspension (1966 through 1977) other than utilizing adjusters in the center of the beam is to order an Ultimate Adjustable Front Beam.

The Ultimate Beam (UB) allows you to adjust your ride height from stock height down to *seven inches on average. The UB has Delrin bushings, a steering dampener bracket, and grease-able zerks. The UB showcased here is six inch narrowed, without shock towers (ultra smooth ride). New torsions, and tie rods, are recommended for the best overall user experience. If you don't know what beam makes the most sense, click here.

There are three ways to lower your 1966 through 1977 Type 1. Good, Better, Best.

Good
- Install a pair of adjusters, based on budget and skill set - no tech support
Better - Install an Ultimate Beam - Tech Support Included
Best - Install an assembled beam like the Stage 1 PRObuilt Beam - Tech Support Included

Made in the USA | Product updated 12/25/23 by Pete

Typical time to install - 4 Hours |
Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

More Information
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List Price $1,099.99
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6 Inch Ultimate Narrowed / Adjustable Shockless VW Link Pin Front Beam - 2118 6 Inch Ultimate Narrowed / Adjustable Shockless VW Link Pin Front Beam - 2118

A better way to lower a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with link pin front suspension (1949 through 1965) other than utilizing adjusters in the center of the beam is to order an Ultimate Adjustable Front Beam.

The Ultimate Beam (UB) allows you to adjust your ride height from stock height down to *seven inches on average. The UB has Delrin bushings, a steering dampener bracket, and grease-able zerks. The UB showcased here is six inch narrowed, without shock towers (ultra smooth ride). New torsions, tie rods, and shocks are recommended for the best overall user experience. If you don't know what beam makes the most sense, click here. This beam replaces the factory beam part number 113401021A.

There are three ways to lower your 1949 through 1965 Type 1. Good, Better, Best.

Good
- Install a pair of adjusters, based on budget and skill set - no tech support
Better - Install an Ultimate Beam - Tech Support Included
Best - Install an assembled beam like the Stage 1 PRObuilt Beam - Tech Support Included

Made in the USA | Product updated 12/25/23 by Pete

Typical time to install - 4 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

More Information
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List Price $1,099.99
Airkewld Army Price $749.99 Each
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Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Ball Joint Beam Complete - 2200 Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Ball Joint Beam Complete - 2200

The BEST way to adjust a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with ball joint front suspension (1966 through 1977), up or down, is by installing a Complete PRObuilt Beam. When the PRO's say complete, they mean complete. You will not need anything in addition to this assembly.

The Stage 1 PRObuilt Beam is built on the Ultimate Beam platform. It's made in stock width and up to 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 4/30/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 2 1/2 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Link Pin Beam Complete - 2201 Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Link Pin Beam Complete - 2201

The BEST way to adjust a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with link pin front suspension (1949 through 1965), up or down, is by installing a Complete PRObuilt Beam. When the PRO's say complete, they mean complete. You will not need anything in addition to this assembly.

The Stage 1 PRObuilt Beam is built on the Ultimate Beam platform. It's made in stock width and up to 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. This beam replaces the factory beam part number 113401021A.

Made in the USA | Product updated 1/9/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 2 1/2 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Shockless Ball Joint Beam Complete - 2208 Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Shockless Ball Joint Beam Complete - 2208

The BEST way to adjust a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with ball joint front suspension (1966 through 1977) is by installing a Complete PRObuilt Beam. When the PRO's say complete, they mean complete. You will not need anything in addition to this assembly.

The Stage 1 Shockless PRObuilt Beam is built on the Ultimate Beam platform. It's made six inches narrower than OEM for that low look and 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.

Contrary to belief, the shockless beam can ride amazingly when using Airkewld's Delrin bushings. One tip, though, is if the vehicle is adjusted down, the ride will be rough, lift it an inch, and the ride improves.

Made in the USA | Product updated 4/30/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 2 1/2 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Shockless Link Pin Beam Complete - 2209 Stage 1 PRObuilt Adjustable Shockless Link Pin Beam Complete - 2209

The BEST way to adjust a Classic Volkswagen Type 1 with link pin front suspension (1949 through 1965), is by installing a Complete PRObuilt Beam. When the PRO's say complete, they mean complete. You will not need anything in addition to this assembly.

The Stage 1 Shockless PRObuilt Beam is built on the Ultimate Beam platform. It's made six inches narrower than OEM for that low look and 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. This beam replaces the factory beam part number 113401021A.

Contrary to belief, the shockless beam can ride amazingly when using Airkewld's Delrin bushings. One tip, though, is if the vehicle is adjusted down, the ride will be rough, lift it an inch, and the ride improves.

Made in the USA | Product updated 4/30/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 2 1/2 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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Complete 1949-65 VW Beetle/Ghia PRObuilt Lowering Kit - 2170 Complete 1949-65 VW Beetle/Ghia PRObuilt Lowering Kit - 2170

A Great way to lower 1949 through 1965 Classic Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle and Karmann Ghia is with a Complete PRObuilt Lowering Kit from Airkewld. It lowers the vehicle from 2.50" or 63mm to 10" or 254mm up front and from stock height to 6" or 150mm in the rear.

Stock is a relative term. Even though you have not changed anything over time, you are assessing the vehicle's overall height as it currently sits. But it has relaxed over time, gradually starting to sag. This is what a stock Beetle at stock height looks like off the showroom floor, over a 6" gap between the top of the tire and the upper fender arch. Even the rear wheels have some positive camber.

Assembled in the USA | Product updated 9/27/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 12 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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List Price $3,375.00
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Complete 1966-68 VW Beetle/Ghia PRObuilt Lowering Kit - 2172 Complete 1966-68 VW Beetle/Ghia PRObuilt Lowering Kit - 2172

The Great way to lower 1966 through 1968 Classic Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle and Karmann Ghia is with a Complete PRObuilt Lowering Kit from Airkewld. It lowers the vehicle from 2.50" or 63mm to 10" or 254mm up front and from stock height to 6" or 150mm in the rear.

Stock is a relative term. Even though you have not changed anything over time, you are assessing the vehicle's overall height as it currently sits. But it has relaxed over time, gradually starting to sag. This is what a stock Beetle at stock height looks like off the showroom floor, over a 6" gap between the top of the tire and the upper fender arch. Even the rear wheels have some positive camber.

Assembled in the USA | Product updated 9/27/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 12 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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Complete 1969-77 VW Beetle/Ghia PRObuilt Lowering Kit - 2173 Complete 1969-77 VW Beetle/Ghia PRObuilt Lowering Kit - 2173

The Great way to lower 1969 through 1977 Classic Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle and Karmann Ghia is with a Complete PRObuilt Lowering Kit from Airkewld. It lowers the vehicle from 2.50" or 63mm to 10" or 254mm up front and from stock height to 6" or 150mm in the rear.

Stock is a relative term. Even though you have not changed anything over time, you are assessing the vehicle's overall height as it currently sits. But it has relaxed over time, gradually starting to sag. This is what a stock Beetle at stock height looks like off the showroom floor, over a 6" gap between the top of the tire and the upper fender arch. Even the rear wheels have some positive camber.

Assembled in the USA | Product updated 9/27/24 by Pete

Typical time to install - 12 Hours | Install PDF Link | Install Video | Tools Needed

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List Price $2,895.00
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