EMPI Thing Spindle Set | 3" Raised Forged 5140 Steel | 1973-1974 VW Type 181

Short answer: This is EMPI's all-new forged 5140 steel Thing spindle set with a 3" raise, a direct replacement for the original spindles on the 1973–1974 VW Type 181 Thing and for off-road builds on Type 1 ball-joint beams. It requires the EMPI trailing arm set with heavy-duty ball joints (98-4558-0) and is SCORE approved for Class 11.

OE-style Thing spindle set for off-road applications that need extra ground clearance. With a 3" raised configuration, these all-new forged spindles are ready for your Baja, Buggy, or Class 11 build. 3D scanning and CAD engineering ensure exact dimensions and a 3" lift for a direct replacement of the original Type 181 spindles used on the 1973-1974 Thing.

Why waste hours hunting for used parts or one-offs when you can build with brand-new components for longevity and peace of mind? Extensive testing on the Mojave Trail confirms these spindles handle the abuse of serious off-road use.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974, direct replacement for the original spindles.
• Beam Compatibility: Type 1 ball joint beams.

Note: These spindles require the use of an EMPI Trailing Arm Set with Heavy Duty Ball Joints (part #98-4558-0).

Why Choose EMPI?

These are all-new forged spindles — engineered with 3D scanning and CAD for exact dimensions, then proven through extensive testing on the Mojave Trail. Building with brand-new components means longevity and peace of mind versus hunting down worn used parts.

Key Features & Benefits

• 3" Raised Lift: Adds ground clearance for Baja, buggy, and Class 11 builds.
• All-New Forged Construction: Hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel for strength.
• CAD-Engineered: 3D scanned for exact dimensions and direct-replacement fit.
• SCORE Approved: Legal for Class 11 competition.

Technical Specifications

• Application: 1973-1974 VW Thing (Type 181)
• Lift: 3" raised
• Material: Hot forged 5140 medium carbon steel
• Beam Compatibility: Type 1 ball joint beams
• Competition: SCORE approved for Class 11
• Sold As: Set
• Required Companion Part: EMPI Trailing Arm Set with HD Ball Joints (#98-4558-0)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does this fit? The 1973-1974 VW Thing (Type 181), as a direct replacement for the original spindles.
• Do I need anything else to install them? Yes — they are compatible with Type 1 ball joint beams and require the EMPI Trailing Arm Set with Heavy Duty Ball Joints (#98-4558-0).
• Are they legal for competition? Yes — they are SCORE approved for Class 11.
• What are they made of? Hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel.
• What is the part number? EMPI 22-3846-0, the forged left/right Thing spindle set (OE reference 181-405-311A).
• Are you an authorized EMPI dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer, so this is new, genuine EMPI stock with full factory support.

Explore Related Categories

Building an off-road Thing? Browse our Suspension components, VW Thing parts, and Dune Buggy catalog.

Prop 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.