Chromoly Link Pins, 7/8 Diameter, Set of 4

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing the limits of your air-cooled Volkswagen off-road or on the track, the factory suspension components often become the weakest link in the chain. These EMPI Chromoly Link Pins are engineered specifically for high-performance applications where standard steel pins simply cannot withstand the shear forces and torsional stress. Designed to be the backbone of a heavy-duty front end, these pins are a mandatory upgrade when transitioning to aftermarket wide-track or reinforced trailing arms. Standard link pins are too short and lack the material density required for long-travel setups, but these chromoly units provide the necessary reach and structural integrity to keep your spindles securely attached to your arms, no matter how rough the terrain gets.

Crafted from premium 4130 Chromoly steel, these pins offer a significantly higher tensile strength compared to OEM replacements. The 7/8-inch diameter is the industry standard for "oversized" heavy-duty bushings, ensuring a much larger surface area for load distribution. At 125mm in length, they are specifically sized to accommodate the extra material found in boxed or tubular aftermarket trailing arms that are common on Baja Bugs, sand rails, and professional-grade dune buggies. If you are building a front end designed to soak up massive "whoops" or survive the rigors of competitive racing, you cannot afford to overlook the hardware that holds it all together. These pins provide the peace of mind that your front suspension geometry will remain consistent even under extreme deflection.

FITMENT

These link pins are designed for use with aftermarket high-performance trailing arms equipped with 7/8-inch bushings. They are compatible with the following vehicles when converted to a heavy-duty link-pin front beam:

• VW Beetle: 1950 through 1965 (Link-Pin models)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (Link-Pin models)
• VW Bus / Type 2: 1950 through 1967 (When utilizing custom Link-Pin front ends)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All years utilizing aftermarket 7/8-inch ID bushings
• Baja Bugs: Custom long-travel builds with reinforced front trailing arms

SPECS

• Material: 4130 High-Tensile Chromoly Steel
• Diameter: 7/8 Inch (0.875")
• Total Length: 125mm (Approximately 4.92 Inches)
• Quantity: Set of 4 (Complete for one front beam)
• Finish: Precision ground for smooth rotation and tight tolerances
• Compatibility: Requires aftermarket trailing arms with 7/8" bushings
• Manufacturer Part Number: 17-2555-0

PRO TIPS

Proper Shimming is Critical

When installing these extra-long chromoly link pins, you must pay close attention to the shim stack-up. Unlike stock pins, these are designed for thicker aftermarket arms, and your camber adjustment is entirely dependent on how you distribute the shims between the trailing arm and the spindle carrier. Always refer to your specific trailing arm manufacturer''s specifications for the initial shim count. A common mistake is failing to "pre-load" the shims properly, which can lead to excessive play in the front end or, conversely, binding that prevents the suspension from cycling smoothly. Always use high-quality hardened shims to match the strength of these chromoly pins.

Never Skip the Grease Routine

Chromoly is incredibly strong, but it is still a metal-on-metal wear surface when paired with bronze or steel bushings. Because these pins are often used in harsh off-road environments, they are subject to dust, silt, and moisture. You must ensure that your grease seals are in perfect condition and that you use a high-pressure, molybdenum-disulfide (moly) grease. We recommend greasing the link pins after every major off-road outing or race event. If you hear a "squeak" from the front end, the damage is already starting; keep them lubricated to ensure the pins and bushings last for seasons rather than weeks.

Verify Bushing ID Before Installation

It is important to remember that these 7/8-inch pins will NOT fit into stock Volkswagen trailing arms, which utilize a smaller diameter pin. Before starting your teardown, double-check that your aftermarket arms are indeed bored for 7/8-inch bushings. If you are replacing older pins, check the bushings for any signs of egg-shaping or scoring. Since these pins are precision-ground, they require a smooth, concentric surface to operate correctly. If your bushings are worn, the superior strength of the chromoly pin won''t matter, as the slop in the bushing will eventually lead to hardware failure or poor handling characteristics.