2 Narrowed King Pin Beam, With Adjusters

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen''s stance, the stock front beam often becomes the primary bottleneck. The EMPI 2-inch Narrowed King Pin Beam is the definitive solution for enthusiasts who demand both aggressive aesthetics and functional clearance. Designed specifically for King Pin front ends, this beam narrows the track width by a total of 2 inches (1 inch per side), effectively pulling the wheels inward. This is absolutely critical for builders running disc brake conversions, which inherently push the mounting surface outward, or for those mounting wider wheels and tires that would otherwise rub against the fender lips. By narrowing the beam, you regain that much-needed clearance, allowing for a "tucked" look without sacrificing the integrity of your vintage sheet metal.

Engineering excellence is at the heart of this EMPI assembly. This beam comes pre-equipped with AVS-style adjusters, allowing you to fine-tune your ride height to the exact millimeter. Whether you are aiming for a mild drop or a frame-scraping profile, these adjusters provide the versatility required for a custom setup. The King Pin (Link Pin) design is favored by many hardcore builders for its robust nature and its ability to handle extreme lowering better than later ball-joint counterparts. Each beam is constructed from high-quality heavy-wall steel tubing and finished in a durable coating to resist the elements. When you install this beam, you aren''t just changing a part; you are re-engineering your VW''s front-end geometry for superior performance and a head-turning profile that defines the classic Cal-Look or Resto-Cal style.

FITMENT

This 2-inch narrowed beam is designed for early-model Volkswagen chassis utilizing the King Pin (Link Pin) front suspension configuration. Detailed fitment includes:

• Volkswagen Type 1 (Standard Beetle/Bug): 1954 through 1965
• Volkswagen Type 1 (Convertible): 1954 through 1965
• Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965
• Custom Applications: Often utilized in early-style Dune Buggies and Woods Buggies requiring a narrowed track for tight trail clearance.

SPECS

Precision manufacturing ensures that every dimension of this beam meets the rigorous standards required for air-cooled performance. Here are the technical specifications:

• Beam Width: 2 inches Narrowed (1 inch per side from stock).
• Suspension Type: King Pin / Link Pin.
• Adjusters: Included and pre-installed (AVS/Sway-A-Way Style).
• Material: High-tensile, heavy-gauge steel tubing.
• Finish: Durable Black Powder Coat or Industrial Paint (depending on production batch).
• Grease Fittings: Zerk fittings included for pivot point lubrication.
• Torsion Leaf Compatibility: Requires narrowed torsion leaf stacks (not included).
• Tie Rod Compatibility: Requires narrowed tie rods (not included).
• Shipping Weight: Approximately 30.15 lbs.
• Manufacturer Part Number: 22-2818-0.

PRO TIPS FROM THE SHOP

Pro Tip 1: Narrowing Your Torsion Leafs Properly. Since this beam is 2 inches narrower than a factory unit, your stock torsion leaf stacks will be too long. You must cut and re-dimple your leaf stacks to match the new width. When dimpling, ensure you use a high-quality drill bit or a specialized dimpling tool to create a deep, clean seat for the grub screw. If the dimple isn''t centered or deep enough, the leaf stack can shift, leading to inconsistent ride height or even suspension failure. Always measure three times and cut once to ensure the leaves are perfectly centered within the beam.

Pro Tip 2: Don''t Forget the Narrowed Tie Rods. A common mistake during installation is attempting to reuse stock tie rods. Because the beam centers are closer together, the factory tie rods will be too long, making it impossible to achieve a proper alignment. You must purchase 2-inch narrowed tie rods or professionally shorten your existing ones. Without the correct tie rod length, you will experience severe toe-in issues that will ruin a set of tires in less than 100 miles. We highly recommend checking your steering box centering at the same time to ensure equal turning radius in both directions.

Pro Tip 3: Optimized Shock Selection. When you use the built-in adjusters to lower your Volkswagen, the distance between the upper and lower shock towers decreases. Stock-length shocks will often "bottom out" internally before the suspension reaches its full travel, resulting in a harsh, bouncy ride and potential damage to the shock towers. For the best ride quality with this narrowed beam, we recommend installing "Lowered" or "Short" shocks specifically designed for King Pin front ends. This ensures the shock operates within its intended hydraulic range, providing the dampening you need for a smooth, controlled ride even at a significantly lower height.