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Learn / Front Suspension · AK-LRN-FS-001 · Rev 1.6
Learn from the PROs
Front Suspension
Beams, ball joints, spindles, lowering and alignment for the classic VW front end — every guide and answer in one place, in the order you'll need them.
01 · Choose
Pick the right parts
Buyer's guides and the questions builders ask most before they order.
Start here
VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia Assembled Beam Buyer's GuideOGbuilt vs ECObuilt vs PRObuilt — which complete beam fits your budget and build.BeetleGhiaRead the guide →What Is a Narrowed Beam?What narrowing does, why builders do it, and what changes with it.Read the guide →Link Pin & Ball Joint Beams — Do They Swap?Can a link pin car take a ball joint beam (or the other way around)?Link PinBall JointRead the guide →Volkswagen Spindles 101Stock, drop, drum, disc — the spindle basics before you buy.Read the guide →DIY Spindles vs PRObuilt/ECObuilt SpindlesWhat separates a home-built spindle from one built by the PROs.Read the guide →All You Need to Know About Drop PlatesHow drop plates lower the car and where they fit in a build.Read the guide →
VW Beetle & Karmann Ghia Assembled Beam Buyer's GuideOGbuilt vs ECObuilt vs PRObuilt — which complete beam fits your budget and build.BeetleGhiaRead the guide →What Is a Narrowed Beam?What narrowing does, why builders do it, and what changes with it.Read the guide →Link Pin & Ball Joint Beams — Do They Swap?Can a link pin car take a ball joint beam (or the other way around)?Link PinBall JointRead the guide →Volkswagen Spindles 101Stock, drop, drum, disc — the spindle basics before you buy.Read the guide →DIY Spindles vs PRObuilt/ECObuilt SpindlesWhat separates a home-built spindle from one built by the PROs.Read the guide →All You Need to Know About Drop PlatesHow drop plates lower the car and where they fit in a build.Read the guide →
Ball Joint Series · 1966–1977 Beetle & Ghia
Ball joints, start to finish
Four guides, in the order you'll need them.
02 · Install
Bolt it in right
Step-by-step install guides from the shop floor.
How To: Installing a PRObuilt BeamPull the old beam, bolt in the new one.BeetleGhiaRead the guide →How To: Lower Your Beetle/Ghia the Right WayFront lowering done without wrecking ride or geometry.BeetleGhiaRead the guide →How To: Lower Your Type 2 Bus the Right WayThe Split Bus version of lowering, step by step.Type 2Read the guide →How To: Type 2 PRObuilt Drop SpindlesInstalling PRObuilt drop spindles on a Bus.Type 2Read the guide →Don't Rip Off Your AdjustersAvoid the most common adjuster mistake.Read the guide →Classic VW Beetle Alignment: Specs + DIY Guide1949–1977 alignment specs and how to check them.BeetleRead the guide →One Ride Height Adjustment AwayDialing in front ride height on a classic Beetle.BeetleRead the guide →
03 · Maintain & Fix
Keep it right
Maintenance, ride quality and the problems we get called about.
Normal Maintenance for Your Airkewld BeamWhat to check, and how often, once the beam is in.Read the guide →What Can I Do to Make a Classic VW Ride Well?Where ride quality really comes from.Read the guide →What Kind of Condition Is My Classic VW In?Size up your front end before you spend a dollar.Read the guide →Common Wheel Rubbing Issues — 1966 & 1967 BeetlesWhy '66–'67 Beetles rub and how it's fixed.Read the guide →
Ready to shop?
Jump straight to the parts these guides cover.
Not sure where to start?
Tell the PROs about your car and goals and get a custom suspension plan.
Get My Ultimate Plan →Process — Not Parts — Determines Performance