Narrowed Tie Rod Set, for King Pin Front, Left & Right

OVERVIEW

When you are committed to achieving that perfect "tucked" look on your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, a narrowed front beam is the gold standard. However, narrowing the beam creates a significant mechanical challenge: your stock-length tie rods become far too long to maintain proper steering geometry. The EMPI Narrowed Tie Rod Set for King Pin front ends is the professional solution to this problem, designed specifically to bridge the gap between your steering box and your spindles on a narrowed setup. These are not just shortened stock rods; they are engineered to handle the stresses of a custom suspension while ensuring your front tires track straight and true. Whether you are running a 2-inch or a 4-inch narrowed beam, these rods provide the necessary adjustment range to get your alignment within factory specifications without the dangerous practice of cutting and welding your original steering components.

At Appletree Automotive, we know that steering is the most critical safety system on your vehicle, especially when you are running a custom, lowered suspension. This EMPI kit includes both the left and right tie rods, providing a complete overhaul for your narrowed front end. By utilizing these purpose-built components, you eliminate the risk of "bump steer" and uneven tire wear that often plagues poorly executed narrowing projects. The heavy-duty construction ensures that even with the increased leverage and altered angles of a narrowed beam, your steering remains crisp and responsive. Don''t compromise your build by trying to make stock parts fit where they don''t belong; install the right hardware the first time and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a professionally engineered steering system.

FITMENT

This narrowed tie rod set is designed specifically for Volkswagen models equipped with a King Pin (Link Pin) front suspension and a narrowed front beam. Fitting the following applications:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1949 through 1965 (Pre-Ball Joint models).
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965.
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any chassis utilizing a 1949-1965 VW King Pin front beam assembly.
• Narrowed Beam Requirements: Optimized for use with 2-inch to 4-inch narrowed front beams.

SPECS

Detailed technical specifications for the EMPI 22-2832-0 Tie Rod Set:

• Part Number: 22-2832-0.
• Suspension Type: King Pin / Link Pin front ends only.
• Configuration: Includes both Driver''s Side (Left) and Passenger''s Side (Right) rods.
• Material: High-tensile strength tubular steel.
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant coating for long-term durability.
• Adjustment: Threaded ends compatible with standard VW tie rod ends.
• Weight: Approximately 4.55 lbs for the pair.
• Length: Shortened specifically for narrowed beam applications.

PRO TIPS

Tip 1: Inspect Your Tie Rod Ends During Installation

Since you are already dismantling your steering linkage to install these narrowed rods, it is the perfect time to inspect your tie rod ends. On King Pin Volkswagens, the tie rod ends are often neglected and can develop "slop" or play over decades of use. If the rubber boots are cracked or if you can move the stud easily by hand, we strongly recommend replacing all four tie rod ends with new, high-quality units. Installing brand-new ends onto your new EMPI narrowed rods will ensure that your steering is as tight and precise as the day the car left the factory, preventing wandering on the highway.

Tip 2: Initial "Bench" Alignment

To make your life easier once the car is back on the ground, try to perform a "bench alignment" before final installation. Lay your old stock tie rods next to your new narrowed rods. If you know exactly how many inches your beam was narrowed (for example, 2 inches on each side), you can pre-adjust the new rods to be approximately that much shorter than the stock units. This will get your "toe-in" close enough to safely drive the car onto a trailer or slowly to an alignment shop. Never attempt to "eye-ball" the final alignment for high-speed driving, as even a quarter-inch of error can ruin a set of tires in a single afternoon.

Tip 3: Steering Box Centering is Crucial

When installing narrowed tie rods, it is vital to ensure your steering box is perfectly centered before you lock down your adjustments. Many builders make the mistake of adjusting the tie rods to match the steering wheel position, but if the box isn''t centered, you will have a different turning radius to the left than you do to the right. Turn your steering wheel all the way from lock to lock, count the total turns, and then move it back exactly half-way. Once the box is centered, adjust your new EMPI narrowed tie rods to bring the wheels into alignment. This ensures the internal gears of the steering box are operating on the "high point," providing the best possible steering feel and safety.