{"product_id":"thing-spindle-upgrade-kit-ball-joint","title":"EMPI Thing Spindle Upgrade Kit | VW Type 181 Thing (1973-1974) | Ball Joint, 3\" Raised Off-Road (22-3846-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Thing Spindle Upgrade Kit — Ball Joint, 3-Inch Raised, Off-Road (1973-1974 VW Type 181)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEMPI engineers have assembled the perfect package to upgrade your Type 1 ball joint beam into a raised front end for your Dune Buggy, Baja, or Class 11 project. Starting with EMPI-exclusive forged Type 181 Thing spindles, this package features all-new parts matched for a trouble-free, time-saving build. Extensive testing on the Mojave Trail by EMPI staff confirms this kit will handle all your off-road abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntended for off-road applications requiring extra articulation and ground clearance. Why spend hours searching for used parts or one-offs when you can build with brand-new components for longevity and peace of mind? Pre-installed ball joints save you time and money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Type 181 Thing:\u003c\/b\u003e 1973-1974 — a direct replacement for the original Type 181 spindles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Choose EMPI?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3D scanning and CAD engineering ensure exact dimensions and a 3\" lift. EMPI Thing spindles and trailing arms are constructed of hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel, and the spindles are SCORE approved for Class 11 competition — proven on the Mojave Trail by EMPI's own staff.\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\u003eEMPI-Exclusive Forged Spindles:\u003c\/b\u003e Forged Type 181 Thing spindles anchor an all-new, matched front-end package.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e3\" Lift:\u003c\/b\u003e CAD-engineered for a 3-inch raise for off-road articulation and ground clearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePre-Installed Ball Joints:\u003c\/b\u003e Upper and lower ball joints come pressed in, saving you a press job.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eRace Approved:\u003c\/b\u003e SCORE approved for Class 11 competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDisc-Brake Ready:\u003c\/b\u003e Compatible with EMPI disc brake conversion kit 22-2895-0 for increased stopping power over original Thing front drums.\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\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Hot-forged 5140 medium carbon steel (spindles and trailing arms).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLift:\u003c\/b\u003e 3 inches over stock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eKit Contents:\u003c\/b\u003e 22-3846-0 Forged Thing Spindle Set (pair); 98-4556-1 \u0026amp; 98-4556-2 Lower Trailing Arms (L\/R); 98-4560-B \u0026amp; 98-4561-B Upper Trailing Arms (L\/R); 98-4536-B Upper Ball Joint (pair, pressed); 98-4537-B Lower Ball Joint (pair, pressed); 22-3817-7 Camber Adjuster (pair); 22-2813-7 Eccentric Washer (pair).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCompatible Disc Brake Kit:\u003c\/b\u003e 22-2895-0.\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 years does this fit?\u003c\/b\u003e 1973-1974 VW Type 181 Thing — the only years the Thing was sold in the US.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHow much lift does it add?\u003c\/b\u003e A 3-inch raise over stock spindle height, for off-road ground clearance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAre ball joints included?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes — both upper and lower ball joints come pre-installed, saving you a press job.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs this race-legal?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes — EMPI Thing spindles are SCORE approved for Class 11 competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCan I add disc brakes?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes — these spindles are compatible with EMPI's disc brake conversion kit (22-2895-0) if you want more stopping power.\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\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-thing\"\u003eVW Thing\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/dune-buggy\"\u003eDune Buggy\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44473010913395,"sku":null,"price":1585.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/98-4559-0-500x333.jpg?v=1774303479","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/thing-spindle-upgrade-kit-ball-joint","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}