{"product_id":"thing-spindle-set","title":"EMPI Thing Spindle Set | 1973-1974 VW Type 181 Thing | 3\" Raised Forged 5140, SCORE Class 11","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Thing Spindle Set | 3\" Raised Forged 5140 Steel | 1973-1974 VW Type 181\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOE-style Thing spindle set for off-road applications that need extra ground clearance. With a \u003cb\u003e3\" raised\u003c\/b\u003e 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 \u003cb\u003e1973-1974 Thing\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Thing (Type 181):\u003c\/b\u003e 1973-1974, direct replacement for the original spindles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBeam Compatibility:\u003c\/b\u003e Type 1 ball joint beams.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e These spindles require the use of an EMPI Trailing Arm Set with Heavy Duty Ball Joints (part #98-4558-0).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Choose EMPI?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e3\" Raised Lift:\u003c\/b\u003e Adds ground clearance for Baja, buggy, and Class 11 builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAll-New Forged Construction:\u003c\/b\u003e Hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel for strength.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCAD-Engineered:\u003c\/b\u003e 3D scanned for exact dimensions and direct-replacement fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSCORE Approved:\u003c\/b\u003e Legal for Class 11 competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eApplication:\u003c\/b\u003e 1973-1974 VW Thing (Type 181)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLift:\u003c\/b\u003e 3\" raised\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Hot forged 5140 medium carbon steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBeam Compatibility:\u003c\/b\u003e Type 1 ball joint beams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCompetition:\u003c\/b\u003e SCORE approved for Class 11\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSold As:\u003c\/b\u003e Set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRequired Companion Part:\u003c\/b\u003e EMPI Trailing Arm Set with HD Ball Joints (#98-4558-0)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat does this fit?\u003c\/b\u003e The 1973-1974 VW Thing (Type 181), as a direct replacement for the original spindles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDo I need anything else to install them?\u003c\/b\u003e 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).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAre they legal for competition?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes — they are SCORE approved for Class 11.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat are they made of?\u003c\/b\u003e Hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding an off-road Thing? Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e components, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-thing\"\u003eVW Thing\u003c\/a\u003e parts, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dune-buggy\"\u003eDune Buggy\u003c\/a\u003e catalog.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44473233801331,"sku":null,"price":750.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/22-3846-0_ANG-500x333_1.jpg?v=1774312787","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/thing-spindle-set","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}