Link Pin Bushings, for 7/8 Pins, 4 Pack

OVERVIEW

When it''s time to rebuild the front end of your classic air-cooled machine, precision is the difference between a smooth ride and a white-knuckle experience. These EMPI Link Pin Bushings are engineered specifically for heavy-duty 7/8-inch pins, providing the critical interface between your suspension arms and the spindle carriers. In the world of king-pin front ends, slop is the enemy. Over time, original bushings wear down due to friction, lack of lubrication, or the sheer punishment of off-road terrain. This 4-pack of high-quality bushings ensures you have a complete set to restore your front beam to its original tight tolerances, eliminating that annoying "death wobble" and restoring the steering feedback you expect from a well-sorted Volkswagen suspension.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that many custom sand rails, dune buggies, and high-performance street builds utilize oversized 7/8-inch link pins to handle increased leverage and unsprung weight. These EMPI bushings are manufactured from high-tensile bronze alloy, designed to resist galling and withstand the constant pivoting motion of the trailing arms. Whether you are navigating a rocky trail in a woods buggy or cruising the local strip in a slammed 1950s Beetle, these bushings provide the durability required for long-term service. By choosing this 4-pack, you are ensuring that both the upper and lower link pins on both sides of the vehicle are replaced simultaneously, which is the only way to guarantee a truly balanced and predictable front-end geometry.

FITMENT

These bushings are designed for specific king-pin applications using oversized or aftermarket 7/8" pins. Please verify your pin diameter before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Sedan & Convertible): 1949 through 1965 (equipped with 7/8" custom pins).
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (equipped with 7/8" custom pins).
• VW Bus (Type 2): Early models converted to custom 7/8" link pin setups.
• Meyers Manx & Dune Buggies: All models utilizing a King/Link Pin front beam with 7/8" hardware.
• Sand Rails & Woods Buggies: Custom chassis built with standard VW-style king pin torsion beams.

SPECS

• Product Type: Link Pin Bushings.
• Quantity: 4 Bushings (Complete front set).
• Pin Diameter Compatibility: 7/8 Inch (0.875").
• Material: Heavy-duty Bronze Alloy.
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: 17-2556-0.
• Finish: Precision machined raw bronze.
• Application: King Pin / Link Pin front suspension beams.

PRO TIPS

1. Proper Reaming is Non-Negotiable

Installing these bushings is not a simple "press-in and go" operation. Once you press the bronze bushings into the spindle carriers, the internal diameter will slightly shrink due to the interference fit. You MUST use a dedicated link pin reamer to hone the bushings to the exact size of your 7/8-inch pins. Failing to ream them will result in a fit that is too tight, which can lead to binding, accelerated wear, or even a snapped link pin under heavy suspension load. Always check the fitment of the pin frequently during the reaming process to ensure a "snug but smooth" rotation.

2. Align the Grease Passages

Before you press the new bushings into the carriers, take a close look at the grease zerk holes in your spindle carriers. Many high-quality bushings feature a pre-drilled hole or a grease groove. You must align the hole in the bushing with the grease passage in the carrier. If you press them in blindly and block the grease path, you won''t be able to lubricate the link pins later. Without a constant supply of fresh moly grease, these bronze bushings will heat up and gall against the steel pins, ruining your hard work in a matter of miles.

3. Use the Right Lubricant

Bronze bushings thrive on high-pressure lubricants. When assembling your front end, don''t just reach for any old multi-purpose grease. Use a high-quality molybdenum disulfide (moly) grease. This type of grease is designed to stay in place under the oscillating, high-pressure loads found in a VW front beam. After the initial installation and the first 100 miles of driving, hit the grease zerks again to ensure any air pockets are purged and the entire surface area of the new 7/8-inch pins is fully coated. Regular maintenance every 3,000 miles will keep your steering feeling like new for years.