Forged Steering Carrier, for King Pin, Pair

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the front-end integrity of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen, the steering carriersoften referred to as steering knucklesare the backbone of your suspension geometry. These EMPI Forged Steering Carriers for King Pin front ends represent a significant upgrade over original equipment manufacturer (OEM) cast units that have likely seen decades of fatigue, corrosion, and stress. Forged from high-strength steel, these carriers are engineered to provide maximum rigidity and durability, ensuring that your steering remains precise and predictable whether you are navigating tight city corners or bouncing through the dunes in a custom rail. By utilizing a forging process rather than casting, the internal grain structure of the metal is refined, resulting in a part that is significantly more resistant to cracking and deformation under extreme loads.

These steering carriers are specifically designed for the early 1956 through 1965 Type 1 front ends, which utilize the legendary link pin and king pin configuration. We understand that safety is the primary concern for any VW enthusiast, and these units have been "beefed up" in critical high-stress areas to handle the demands of modern driving and oversized wheel and tire combinations. Replacing your old, wallowed-out carriers with these precision-forged units will eliminate much of the "slop" commonly found in aging front ends. Sold as a pair, these are the perfect foundation for a complete front-end rebuild, providing the structural confidence you need to enjoy your classic Beetle or Ghia for another sixty years. Don''t settle for questionable used swap-meet parts when you can install brand-new, high-strength forged steel components that meet or exceed original factory specifications.

FITMENT

This pair of forged steering carriers is designed for the following air-cooled Volkswagen applications utilizing the King Pin (Link Pin) style front beam:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1956 through 1965
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965
• VW Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any custom chassis utilizing a 1956-1965 King Pin style front beam
• Note: These are specifically for King Pin spindles and will not fit later Ball Joint front ends (1966 and newer).

SPECS

Technical specifications for the EMPI 22-2977-0 Forged Steering Carrier Pair:

• Material: High-Strength Forged Steel (Superior to original cast iron)
• Part Number: 22-2977-0
• Finish: Raw Forged Steel (Ready for paint or powder coating)
• Weight: Approximately 4.2 lbs (Total shipping weight)
• Configuration: King Pin / Link Pin Style
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (Left and Right sides)
• Reinforcement: Additional material thickness in high-stress pivot points

PRO TIPS

1. Check Your Bushing Clearances

Whenever you are installing new steering carriers, it is absolutely vital to inspect your king pin bushings and link pin shims. Even the highest quality forged carrier cannot compensate for worn-out bushings. We highly recommend pressing in new brass bushings and using a professional-grade king pin reamer to ensure a perfect, line-bored fit. If the fit is too tight, the steering will bind and fail to return to center; if it is too loose, you will experience the dreaded "VW shimmy" at highway speeds. Take the time to measure twice and ream once for a buttery-smooth steering feel.

2. The Importance of Proper Lubrication

Forged steel is incredibly strong, but metal-on-metal contact will still lead to premature failure without proper lubrication. After installing these carriers, ensure that your grease zerks are clear and functioning. Use a high-quality moly-based grease and pump it into the link pins and king pins until you see the old grease being pushed out. For a fresh build, we recommend greasing the front end every 3,000 miles or after any significant off-road excursion. This keeps moisture out of the pivot points and prevents the forged surfaces from galling or seizing over time.

3. Alignment and Shim Calculation

When reassembling your front suspension with these new carriers, pay close attention to the link pin shim requirements. The number of shims used on the inner and outer sides of the link pin determines your camber and the tracking of the steering knuckle. Consult a factory workshop manual to find the correct shim offset for your specific year and model. Incorrect shim placement can lead to "dog-tracking" or uneven tire wear. Since these are high-strength forged units, they provide a very stable platform, making it much easier to achieve a perfect alignment that stays true even under heavy cornering loads.