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

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the steering integrity of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, there is no room for compromise. The EMPI Steering Pitman Arm for King Pin Tie Rods is a critical component designed to bridge the gap between your steering box and the tie rod assembly, ensuring that every input from the steering wheel is translated into precise movement on the road. Specifically engineered for small shaft steering boxes, this pitman arm is the go-to solution for enthusiasts restoring vintage Type 1 Beetles or building high-performance Dune Buggies and Sand Rails that utilize the rugged King Pin front-end configuration. Over decades of use, original pitman arms can suffer from splined-end wear or stress fractures, leading to dangerous "slop" in the steering wheel. Replacing your worn component with this high-strength EMPI unit restores that factory-fresh steering feel and provides the peace of mind that only new, high-quality hardware can offer.

Beyond its functional necessity, this pitman arm features a durable black finish that provides an extra layer of corrosion resistance against the elements, making it an ideal choice for both show-quality restorations and rugged off-road machines. The design is tailored for the transition years and custom applications where a small diameter steering box shaft is paired with King Pin style tie rod ends. Whether you are navigating tight city corners in a 1966 Beetle or blasting through the dunes in a custom woods buggy, the geometry of this arm is optimized to maintain the correct steering arc, preventing binding and ensuring a full range of motion. It''s not just a replacement part; it''s a vital upgrade for anyone looking to tighten up their front end and ensure their VW handles with the agility and safety it was designed to have.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1966-1968 (Models equipped with Small Shaft Steering Box)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Custom builds utilizing King Pin front beams and Small Shaft steering boxes
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966-1968 (Verify shaft diameter prior to installation)
• Custom Off-Road Builds: Compatible with various aftermarket King Pin steering setups

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2566-B
• Material: Forged High-Strength Steel
• Finish: Semi-Gloss Black Protective Coating
• Shaft Compatibility: Small Shaft Steering Box (approximately 24mm)
• Tie Rod Interface: Designed for Small King Pin style tie rod ends
• Orientation: Standard replacement geometry
• Weight: Approximately 1.44 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Steering Box Shaft Diameter

Volkswagen was notorious for overlapping parts during transition years, especially between 1966 and 1968. Before ordering, it is absolutely vital to verify your steering box shaft size. This pitman arm is designed for the "Small Shaft" (roughly 24mm at the splines). If you have a later 1968-1977 steering box, you likely have the "Large Shaft" (roughly 28mm), and this arm will not fit. Use a pair of calipers to measure the diameter of the splined output shaft on your steering box to ensure you are getting the correct match for your specific build. Doing this simple check prevents the frustration of a mid-project delay and ensures a safe, tight fitment.

2. Inspect the Steering Box Splines and Locking Plate

When removing your old pitman arm, take the time to thoroughly clean and inspect the splines on the steering box output shaft. If the splines are flattened or "rolled," a new pitman arm may not seat correctly and could eventually slip under load. Always use a new lock plate and ensure the large nut is torqued to factory specifications (typically around 72-87 ft-lbs for Type 1 applications). Never reuse a bent or damaged locking plate, as this is the only thing keeping the pitman arm nut from vibrating loose during operation. A drop of medium-strength thread locker can provide additional security for off-road applications.

3. Re-Center Your Steering Geometry Post-Installation

Installing a new pitman arm is the perfect time to perform a "zero-point" alignment on your steering system. Ensure your steering box is perfectly centered (equal turns to the left and right) before sliding the pitman arm onto the splines. Because this arm is designed for King Pin tie rods, ensure your tie rod ends are in good condition and that the taper is seated fully into the arm. Once installed, you must perform a front-end alignment. Even a slight variation in the positioning of the arm can change your toe-in settings, leading to premature tire wear or "darting" sensations at highway speeds. Proper centering ensures you have an equal turning radius in both directions.