Pitman Arm, Chrome, for King Pin Tie Rods, Small Shaft

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the steering geometry of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, there is no room for compromise. This EMPI Chrome Pitman Arm is engineered specifically for King Pin front ends, providing the critical link between your steering box and your tie rods. Crafted from high-strength forged steel and finished with a brilliant, show-quality triple chrome plating, this pitman arm doesn''t just restore your vehicle''s steering precision; it elevates the entire aesthetic of your front suspension. Whether you are building a period-correct restoration, a custom street cruiser, or a high-end show car, this component ensures that every turn of the wheel is translated into smooth, predictable movement on the pavement. The mirror-like finish is designed to withstand the elements while providing that classic "California Look" that has defined the VW scene for decades.

Understanding the nuances of VW steering systems is vital for a safe and enjoyable drive. This particular pitman arm is designed for the "small shaft" steering boxes commonly found on early models and is tapered to accept the smaller king pin style tie rod ends. Installing a fresh pitman arm is one of the most effective ways to eliminate "slop" in the steering wheel, especially when paired with a new steering box or refreshed tie rods. By choosing this EMPI unit from Appletree Automotive, you are investing in a part that meets rigorous manufacturing standards, ensuring a perfect fit and long-lasting durability. Don''t settle for dull, rusted components when you can bolt on a piece of hardware that performs as beautifully as it looks, giving your Beetle, Ghia, or Dune Buggy the professional finish it deserves.

FITMENT

This pitman arm is designed for specific early-model Volkswagen steering configurations. Please verify your steering box shaft size and tie rod taper before ordering.

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1950 through 1965 (King Pin Models)
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (King Pin Models)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom chassis utilizing a King Pin front beam and a small-shaft steering box.
• Note: Not compatible with 1966-later Ball Joint front ends or "large shaft" steering boxes.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: AC413041
• Material: Heavy-duty forged steel construction.
• Finish: High-luster triple chrome plating for corrosion resistance and show-quality shine.
• Shaft Compatibility: Designed for "Small Shaft" steering boxes (approximately 24mm spline diameter).
• Tie Rod Interface: Tapered hole specifically for small King Pin style tie rod ends.
• Application: Steering linkage component for King Pin (Link Pin) front suspension systems.
• Weight: Approximately 1.44 lbs.

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Spline Count and Diameter

Volkswagen transitioned between different steering box shaft sizes over the years. Before you begin your installation, it is critical to ensure your steering box is indeed the "small shaft" variety. If your car has been modified or had a later-model steering box swapped in, this arm will not fit. Take a moment to clean the splines on your steering box output shaft with a wire brush to ensure a smooth, seated fit. A light coating of anti-seize on the splines can help prevent the arm from becoming "frozen" to the shaft in the future, making any subsequent maintenance much easier.

2. Center the Steering Box Before Installation

To achieve a perfect turning radius in both directions, you must center your steering box before sliding the pitman arm onto the splines. Turn the steering input shaft all the way to one side, then count the rotations as you turn it all the way to the other side. Divide that number by two and turn the shaft back to that center point. Once the box is centered, install the pitman arm so that it points in the correct orientation according to your factory service manual. This ensures that your steering wheel is straight and your tie rods have equal travel in both directions.

3. Torque and Safety Hardware

Steering components are safety-critical items. Never reuse a crushed or distorted lock washer on the pitman arm nut. Always use a new, high-quality lock washer and torque the large nut to the factory-specified setting (usually around 87-94 ft-lbs for early models, but always check your specific manual). After your first 50 miles of driving, we highly recommend getting back under the car to double-check the tightness of the nut. The chrome finish is slick, and ensuring the arm is fully seated and the nut is torqued properly is the best way to prevent any play from developing over time.