2 Narrowed Ball Joint Beam, With Adjusters

OVERVIEW

When you''re chasing the perfect stance for your air-cooled Volkswagen, tire clearance is almost always the primary obstacle. Upgrading to modern disc brake conversions or bolting on a set of deep-dish wheels often pushes your tires outward, leading to unsightly rubbing against the fender lips and restricted turning radii. This EMPI 2-inch narrowed ball joint beam is the definitive solution for the enthusiast who demands both form and function. By pulling the wheels inward by a full inch on each side, you regain the necessary clearance to tuck your tires deep into the wheel wells without sacrificing the ability to navigate tight corners. This beam isn''t just about aesthetics; it''s about restoring drivability to a lowered vehicle, ensuring that your classic VW handles as good as it looks on the street or at the show.

Constructed with precision and durability in mind, this beam features pre-installed rachet-style adjusters that allow for fine-tuned height control. Unlike older style adjusters that can be difficult to set, these rachet units provide a secure, indexed positioning that stays put under load. This is especially critical when pairing the beam with dropped spindles, as it allows you to maintain a neutral suspension geometry at a much lower ride height than a stock beam could ever achieve. Whether you are building a California Looker, a slammed Resto-Cal, or a custom dune buggy, this narrowed beam provides the structural integrity and adjustability needed to handle the rigors of the road while delivering that aggressive, tucked-in profile that defines the highest level of VW customization.

FITMENT

This 2-inch narrowed beam is designed specifically for the following Volkswagen models with a ball joint front end:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Standard Beetle: 1966 through 1977 (Does NOT fit Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Ideal for tube-chassis Dune Buggies and Sand Rails utilizing a Type 1 ball joint front suspension.

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-2814-0
• Beam Type: Ball Joint (Standard Beetle/Ghia)
• Narrowing Width: 2 Inches total (1 inch per side)
• Adjuster Style: Integrated Rachet / Tooth Style for maximum security
• Material: Heavy-duty tubular steel construction
• Finish: Black paint (Recommended to strip and powder coat or paint for long-term corrosion resistance)
• Weight: 28.4 lbs
• Compatibility: Designed for use with narrowed torsion leaves and shortened tie rods
• Shock Towers: Fixed height, heavy-gauge steel

PRO TIPS

1. Address Your Torsion Leaves and Tie Rods Early

Installing a narrowed beam is not a simple "bolt-on" affair with your stock internal components. Because the beam is 2 inches narrower, your stock torsion leaves will be too long and will protrude from the ends of the beam. You must either purchase a set of 2-inch narrowed torsion leaves or carefully cut and re-center/dimple your existing leaves to fit. Furthermore, your steering geometry will change; you will need to shorten your tie rods to match the narrowed track width. We highly recommend measuring your tie rod lengths twice before cutting and threading, or opting for a pre-narrowed tie rod kit to ensure your toe-in settings remain within factory specifications for safe handling.

2. Optimize Ride Quality with Dropped Spindles

A common mistake is trying to achieve a massive drop using only the adjusters on the beam. While the adjusters allow for significant height changes, cranking them to the maximum downward position can lead to a very stiff and bouncy ride because you are essentially "pre-loading" or "un-loading" the torsion leaves outside of their ideal operating range. To get the best ride quality at a low height, we recommend using this 2-inch narrowed beam in conjunction with a set of 2.5-inch dropped spindles. This combination allows the spindles to provide the initial drop while keeping the beam adjusters in a more neutral position, preserving your suspension travel and keeping your shocks in their sweet spot.

3. Don''t Forget the Grease and Hardware

Before you finalize the installation, ensure that the internal bushings or bearings are properly lubricated. Most new beams ship with a light coating of assembly oil, but they require high-quality automotive grease to prevent premature wear on your trailing arms. Use the grease zerks located on the beam to fill the cavities until grease just begins to purge from the seals. Additionally, always inspect your beam mounting bolts and the "K-frame" area of your chassis for any signs of fatigue or rust. Since you are likely going to be running lower to the ground, we also recommend installing a heavy-duty steering damper to help absorb road vibrations that are more prevalent with narrowed front ends.