Swing Axle Drive Shaft, Short Axle, For Beetle / Karmann Ghia 1950-1965, Pair

What is this part called?

1960-1966 Beetle & Karmann Ghia Short Swing Axle Driveshafts – Original Used Pair

What does this part do on a VW?

These original short swing axle driveshafts are designed for early Beetle and Karmann Ghia models fitted with the short axle rear transmission setup.

The driveshafts transfer power from the gearbox differential to the rear wheels while allowing the suspension to move through its natural swing axle travel. Manufactured from steel, these original components feature the correct short axle length and short spline configuration for early swing axle transmissions.

Supplied as a pair, these original driveshafts are ideal for replacing worn or damaged axles, restoring an original swing axle setup or converting back to the factory short axle configuration.

Short axle conversions are also a popular upgrade for later Beetle and Karmann Ghia models originally fitted with long axles, particularly when installing wider aftermarket wheels. By reducing the overall rear track width, the short axle setup provides additional clearance between the wheels and rear wheel arches, allowing greater flexibility with wider wheel and tyre combinations without excessive protrusion beyond the bodywork.

This conversion is particularly beneficial for vehicles running wider rear wheels, deep-dish alloys or custom wheel offsets where additional clearance is required without modifying the rear bodywork.

What are the key features?

• Original short swing axle driveshafts
• Supplied as a pair – 2x short axle driveshafts
• Genuine original components in good used condition
• Short axle and short spline configuration
• Designed for early short axle swing axle transmissions
• Ideal for converting later long axle models to a narrower rear track
• Provides additional wheel arch clearance when fitting wider wheels and tyres
• Suitable for restoration, replacement and gearbox rebuild projects

Which VW models will this fit?

• Beetle 1960-1966
• Karmann Ghia 1960-1966
• Later Beetle and Karmann Ghia models when converting from long axles to a short axle setup

Fitment is intended for vehicles using the early short axle swing axle configuration. When converting from long axles, matching short axle tubes with bearing housings and suitable associated components will also be required. Please check your existing gearbox, axle and brake arrangement before ordering.

Important information regarding condition:

Items are in good used condition.

Please note: As to be expected with original used components of this nature, driveshafts may display signs of previous use, including surface marks, cosmetic wear and age-related discolouration.

If matching short axle tubes complete with outer bearing housings are also required, these are available separately as a used pair under SKU: 020900034.

Limebug SKU:

020900035

OE Reference: 111-501-201/A
SKU: 020900035