Description

1966-79 Beetle / Ghia 4″ Narrowed Ball Joint Deluxe Cantilever Swing Axle / IRS Air Ride Kit

Classic Aircooled VW Complete Air Ride Kits parts by Limebug

The Ultimate Aircooled VW Bolt on Air ride system, the industry leading T1 Beetle / Ghia Air Suspension Option

Looking to lower you Aircooled Volkswagen the right way with air suspension. Look no further. The Limebug deluxe air ride kit is the complete solution to taking a totally stock Beetle / Ghia with no modifications and converting completely including total narrowing of the front axle with fully built and assembled track rods, and then of course all the custom air suspension gear designed by our engineers here in the UK. 

This kit is the most conclusive solution to air ride for Aircooled VW's to date. No system touches this kit for quality, ease and simplicity of fitting and beautiful functionality. Limebug is the only Aircooled VW specialist offering fully bolt on, true air systems (this means we do not utilise any of the original torsion bar system, and give you the full, maximum travel available). 

What is the difference between your Complete and Deluxe Air Systems?

The main difference is you will get a Beam and Track Rods with a Deluxe system, the reason for the two kits is primarily down to a lot of people have already a front axle they want to use. This complete Air Ride is for these people. If you have a totally stock vehicle and want to narrow and put on air ride, the Deluxe kit is for you. 

To summarize: 
– Deluxe Kit = Full Air Ride System + Everything to Narrow your Front End 
– Complete Kit = Full Air Ride System

Key Features:

Control your Ride, everywhere!

Simply using our manual paddle valve or digital systems, the kit allows over 7" of travel meaning no problem with steep driveways, speed bumps, cats eyes, potholes, rutted fields, getting on and off a ferry etc etc.

Limebug 5-Point Brace System

Uniquely designed using the shock towers for lateral loading and using pre-load bars to the gearbox mount along with a cupped mount around the torsion tube housing. This system allows pre-load and left-right and front-back tweaks. This system prevents ""creep"" and chassis movement by adding strength to the existing structure in the same way as a strut brace.

Lay-it-out

No compromise, drop it to the deck design, you may wonder if the design of this kit restricts upper and lower travel, the answer simply is no. This kit will drop the spring plate (if notched or stepped) to bottom out metal-metal on the upper chassis bump stop with the rubber removed. Trust us, that is low.

Save your Fulcrums and Bearings

Commonplace faults with static lowering your vehicle is chewing up fulcrum plates and wheel bearings from oil starvation, as well as tyre wear from continuous toeing in. Air ride gives you the ability to adjust the ride height to give you the best of both worlds, slam it for the shows, daily drive it in absolute comfort.

Bolt on also means, Bolt Off

So keep hold of your old parts, if you have enough of the car or want a new one, sell the kit on or transfer it, no need to re-buy.

Upgradable by design

our system is designed and configured to work with Manual paddle air systems, solenoids and the Digital Management systems from all leading manufacturers, as long as you are looking to use imperial 1/4" line a Limebug air system will work.

Straight out the Box

All kits come Powder Coated in a thick hard wearing Gloss Black, all hardware required to fit to any stock Beetle or Ghia is included. The only optional extras we offer are notched spring plates which we do recommend but are not essential in order to fit the kit if you intend to drive around at close to stock height normally.

Simple Installation

the kit can be installed in ~2 days with no issue and moderate experience, we provide a full online pdf step by step tutorial, an online video guide and are available on the phone 10:00-18:00 weekdays.

Air Management

As standard a 4-Valve Manual Air Management is provided. Utilising a MOA Seamless 4 Gallon tank (other sizes available), twin dual needle gauges, air cut off switch. Our kit uses Viair 380c compressor as standard but the full range is available and also as a dual kit. You can fit the manual paddle gauges in the dash or glovebox. Comes with mounting plate. All gauges use 1/4" line.

Extra Low Swing Axle and IRS Options

We offer extra low options for both rear Cantilever set-ups. This consists of a shorter pull down bar/drop link set-up which allows the rear end to sit lower. This does compromise the lifting capability of the vehicle however. Both also would require some additional work to give the extra clearance too; for the Swing Axle set-up it would be recommended to trim the upper bump stop section. For the IRS version it does require a little more intensive work, we would only recommend this option if you are a competent fabricator/welder or or having the kit fitted by the aforementioned specialist. 

To give you an idea of the work involved for the IRS kit, please see the following guide: https://limebug.com/how-to-get-extra-low-on-the-irs-revolution-cantilever-kit/

T1 Jawbreaker Narrowed Air Ride Beams

Aircooled VW Beetle and Ghia Narrowed Beams, the industry standard in quality

Titan Engineering T1 Beetle Narrowed Beams, installation is simple and easy with no body modifications. Each beam is built by robots in the UK and fettled to spec by hand. 

Limebug is the leading supplier of narrowed beams in the industry. Each beam is produced from CDS (Cold Drawn Steel) Seamless tubing, then turned to length, each adjuster slot is then milled into the tubing along with the 4x grease points. 

Next we fit our custom Xero adjusters in place which give over 7.5" of adjustment travel. These adjusters are set in place in such a way as to achieve maximum drop and still give a great range of upper adjustment on nearly all configurations. 

We then laser cut 8mm steel into our beautifully designed end plates, these are then CNC press braked to form a dog leg which will clear all factory inner wings on your new narrowed beam with no cutting, welding or drilling. 

Now we fit a turned 12×1.5mm solid threaded boss into the upper shock tower. Our shock towers are oversize in length to allow you to run your stock shocks for mild lowering and our gas charged shocks for the extra low Beetle / Ghia owners. For the final step in the metal core assembly process, we precision load the components into the robot welding cell, at this point we fit our ramped base 'uprights' which have oversize holes for simple easy installation on all frame heads. 

Now the core is built we install our uniquely designed grease cavity / Delrin bushings system. This configuration allows the use of Delrin bushes which have great low wearing properties and will not damage your trailing arms over time, they also do not squeak like Urethane. 

Finally this also allows you to run factory grease seals keeping your grease in the beam, where it should be. So that's how the industry standard of narrowed front axle is made and some of the fantastic features it offers. 

All beams have the option to a powder coated finish, RHD / LHD, torsion leaves, track rods etc. Let Limebug cut out the guesswork and have a hassle free install. We can now offer worldwide shipping on all Limebug beams. Typically holding over one hundred beam cores on the shelf we can supply the industry standard in quality and finish. 

Details: 
– CDS Mech Grade Tubing 
– Gusseted Shock Tower to allow for fully weight baring Shocks 
– 8mm Lasercut End-plates 
– CNC Body Mounts & Shock Mounts 
– Dog Leg Shock Tower Support 
– Unique Grease Cavity System 
– 12×1.5mm Threaded Welded Upper Boss 
– Genuine Delrin Bushes 
– 4x Grease Nipples Fitted 
– Custom Steering Damper Mount Fitted 
– RHD or LHD 
– Supplied in Raw Finish or Powdercoated 
– Designed, Manufactured and Assembled in the UK

T1 RHD / LHD Narrowed Track / Tie Rods:

Professionally Engineering Track Rods from Limebug for all Aircooled VW's stock width or narrowed.

High grade CDS turned seamless tubing is the foundation to building up our through rods, twinned with optional OE quality track rod ends and a hard wearing durable powder coat, this is the only sensible way to narrow your VW Beetle / Ghia. We also produce these track rods in a stock width, meaning when the track rod end wears out you are not stuck with having to throw away the long rod as factory ends are crimped into place. These feature, German Quality Track Rod Ends, and UK manufactured Track Rods. All Rods are made to our Width guides, and suited to LHD or RHD Appropriately. If you have a special requirement or excessively narrowed vehicle we can accommodate this, at additional timescale.

Options:

– Track Width up to 6" Narrowed Available. All track rods feature adjustment slots for easy tracking alignment. 
– Hardware includes: 2x LH and 2x RH threaded pinch nuts for security when fitted. 
– All Track rods are supplied with a Steering damper eyelet as standard. 
– M10 (Typically for 1948-1965 Range) or M12 (Typically for 1966-2003 Models) Tie Rod ends available in all four configurations.

Front System Details:

Limebug front air systems use our thoroughly tested and trialled "Gold Top" air shock range, our UK built through rods with roller ends and unique locator accompanied by the highest quality air taps and fixings available.

If Ball Joint, we recommend installing long travel ball joints to allow for maximum drop.

Bolt-on Lower Shock Relocators are included for Link Pin kits.

Grease seals are also recommended for both Link Pin and Ball Joint platforms

Limebug's British 'Titan Engineering' department have been developing the most functional, innovative and beautiful parts in the scene to date. We have just introduced our Bug & Bus air ride ranges. Each kit is designed by certified and accredited engineers here at Limebug, before being tested by us personally to insure ease of fitment and function. 

These air systems come with our online video tutorial for installation and operation, as well as a manual and guide to installation. Our video includes an explanation of upgrades, year differences. Neat tricks to look out for along the way, and other great ways to give you VW the look you've dreamt of without the nightmares.

Titan Through Rods Explained

Limebug Gen-II Ultra Strength Through Rods are the perfect solution to setting up Front Air Ride or Coilover applications. Each Through Rod is manufactured from solid EN8 Stock, machined to work perfectly alongside our narrowed beam range. 

All Limebug through rod's feature a deep 'V' taper to ensure a perfect mechanical link between the trailing arm and axle. Gen-II though rods now incorporate our unique class leading multi-lock system as standard. Limebug Narrowed Through Rods/ Torsion Leaves are manufactured to run grease seals. Always torque to the correct specifications, do not overtighten.

VW Beetle "The Revolution" Cantilever Rear Air Ride Kit

The kit built on the toughest platform yet. "The Revolution" rear air suspension system changes how air ride is being looked at in the aircooled world. With well over a year of solid testing we are proud to launch the Revolution, this kit features a series of core benefits that take it into a new level of simplicity of operation/ installation and maintaining.

Cartridge Built

Self contained Cartridge system means ultra simple install, and self limiting within its own operational cage. No stress is dispersed on any external factory components.

Infinitely Cross Compatible

Fits all the following models with only differences of tab/ front link and drop link rod. 

– T1 Beetle / Karmann Ghia 
– T181 / T182 Trekker / Thing 
– T3 Fast / Notch / Squareback and Variant 
– T34 Razor Edge 
– Fridolin 
– 1302 /03

Suitable for IRS and Swing Axle Models

Fits all models of IRS and Swing Axle with the same unique system

All years

From 1948-2003 – One Kit fits all

With heaters

The only kit currently that offers true air ride (no torsions) and the ability to maintain the factory heat exchanges and heating system. 
Some small mods required on pre-60 25/30 motor shoebox heaters, inquire for full details.

No Engine / Gearbox Removal required

Getting installation time right down, no engine out, no gearbox out, not even the fuel and clutch need to be touched.

Lowest lifting pressure possible

Thanks to the unique cantilever arm, the lifting is possible as low as 15PSI using the one to one inverse cantilever the bags lifting force is transferred directly over the shock mount.

Height sensor compatible

Another first, with pressure based systems evolving drastically over the past 5 years alongside our air kits, it was time to step it up again with our hidden mounting system, takes the sensors way out of the way of wheels and axles meaning no dirt and rocks, and flawless operation.

Hybrid possible

Hybrid meaning, if you run late engine and axles in an early car, say a 58 with a 65 transaxle. Our kit will still works perfectly.

Infinite range and stance dial-in

So your style is Cal Look, or low rider, big billets, or fat wide oval tyres. No matter what the range remains the same, but you have a 1 inch range of flexibility to move the range, meaning you can dial in that rear travel perfect to your own taste and style.

Invisible install

Once fitted the system sits high up on the chassis and cannot be visually seen at any height, people will wonder how you got that static ride so low ;). Its all about those clean lines!

Simple servicing and winter storage

Inverted bags mean water residue sitting and purging is a ten second job, put a jack under the car. Pop the air line off just leaning underneath, the bag drains with and moisture, its that simple.

Bump stop limit dial-in.

Built in bump stops, so you can set that low down stance position to suit your deep sump, or just to stop tyre scrub for rolling air'd out on the track. All machine pin / phosphor bronze bush operation Machine pins, phosphor bronze, forged and all CAD plated, the premium standard you've come to expect taken up to the next level.

Fitting / Installation Video Guide

Optional Extras

–2" Dropped Air Plates: These plates will increase the amount of drop you can achieve and resolve toeing in issues at low running heights. They also have recently received an update which now means they run a shorter bore tube stopping rubbing on the outer torsion cover and use 2" Inner Diameter bushes making them overall much stiffer and give better feel to the rear end. 

– Year Options: As standard we make the late post 1959 air ride kit, if you require a kit for an early vehicle running short axles (straight shock mounts), select this from the dropdown menu. 

– Skid Plate: Protect your frame head with our made to fit any year/ model and beam skid plate.
 
– Management: Pick from 4 valve manual controls, air pressure sensitive digital systems or ride height intelligent systems.

– Adjustable Gearbox / Raise, Stock to 1″: 

A great addition when running our "Revolution" air ride kit. Traditionally raising the transmission is carried out to prevent high camber which causes premature wear of both rear wheel bearings and gearbox fulcrum plates. These high running angles reduce the transmission oil flow to the gearbox side of the axle starving the wheel bearings of lubrication. Typically the fulcrum plates will begin knocking due to continuous movement as the axle rotates.

When lifting or raising the transmission the amount of camber will decrease, this will reduce stress on all the fore mentioned components, an additional benefit of this is reducing tyre wear and increasing tyre-road contact. Find out more information by clicking here

Additional Documents

Air Ride Fitting Guide
Air Ride FAQs

Please note: This Kit is made for off-road use only therefore NO Warranty or Guarantee is issued or implied.

Important Operational Info: Must Read!!!

When operating your air ride kit, you must understand that you now have total free range to move the suspension to its mechanical upper and lower limits. The air bags used are strong enough to lift the weight of almost two Beetles per bag. In order to maintain be sure never to exceed the mechanical limits of your vehicle. 

For Link Pin front setups, with no mechanical restriction be aware over pressurisation will cause the shock to foul the front trailing arm. Be sure to inspect the vehicle with the wheels off and run the car through the travel noting the upper limit PSI, be sure also to never try and collapse an air shock with 0PSI, this will force the rubber bag sleeve between the shock body and cause chaffing/ cutting. 

Also consider with Ball Joint models, when you reach the mechanical limit of your Ball Joints you will risk damage by adding more pressure.  

When setting your ride heights do so applying pressure then drive the vehicle around approx 10-20 metres to allow the axles to re-settle then tweak and repeat until satisfied. When Jacking the vehicle up always place the vehicle onto ramps or a jack, then let all the air out of the four corners to avoid an over pressurization situation when lifting the vehicle, then lift the vehicle off the ground afterwards. 

If ever leaving your vehicle with a garage or MOT centre unfamiliar with air suspension, make them aware of the upper limits and inspect before and after picking the vehicle up to check for damage. Always operate between 90-95% of the upper range NEVER 100%. 

As a general guide line rear kits rear their upper limits at approx 90PSI. The front around 130PSI. If you exceed these limits you WILL cause long lasting damage to the air ride kit brackets / trailing arms / shocks / Hardware. 

If you drive the vehicle excessively low you will cause damage to your front axle / beam trailing arms along with the frame head. Always lift the car up to a suitable drive height and maintain air and mechanical joints and unions. 

One final note if you put in a really high pressure and rear the mechanical limits be aware you will be damaging the vehicle even for a very short burst. Be careful and considerate to your air kit and you will enjoy many, many miles of hassle free driving fun. If you are in any doubt and have a kit or considering purchase of a system and need more information, call us on 01782 922047 or email on: vwparts@limebug.com

SKU: 030010069