Complete Beam in a Box, Ball Joint, 2 inch Narrow

OVERVIEW

Transform the stance and handling of your classic air-cooled Volkswagen with the EMPI Complete Beam in a Box. This is the ultimate "bolt-on and go" solution for enthusiasts who want to avoid the greasy, time-consuming process of rebuilding an old, pitted factory beam. Engineered for the 1966 through 1977 Standard Beetle and Karmann Ghia, this 2-inch narrowed ball joint beam is designed to tuck your wheels deeper into the fenders. This is particularly crucial for owners running disc brake conversions or aftermarket wheels, which often push the track width outward and cause unsightly tire rub. By narrowing the beam by 2 inches, you regain that tucked, aggressive look while maintaining the structural integrity required for modern street driving. Every component in this kit is brand new, ensuring that you aren''t just getting a cosmetic upgrade, but a complete mechanical overhaul of your front suspension system.

The EMPI "Beam in a Box" stands out because it arrives pre-assembled and torqued to factory specifications, saving you hours of labor and the need for specialized pressing tools. This kit features forged disc brake drop spindles and forged trailing arms equipped with premium Euro-style ball joints. Unlike cheap welded alternatives, these forged components offer superior strength and durability for long-term reliability. The assembly includes new torsion leaves, high-quality bearings, and fresh seals, all topped off with a generous application of fresh grease through integrated zerk fittings. Whether you are building a show-stopping Cal-Look Bug or a daily-driven Ghia, this complete system provides the perfect combination of a lowered center of gravity and the precision of a brand-new front end. Simply add your preferred shocks and a steering box, and you are ready to hit the pavement with confidence.

FITMENT

This EMPI Complete Narrowed Beam is designed specifically for Ball Joint front-end configurations. Please note that this will NOT fit Super Beetle models (1302/1303) with MacPherson strut suspension.

• Volkswagen Standard Beetle: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974 (Modification to ride height and shocks may be required)

SPECS

Every "Beam in a Box" is manufactured to rigorous standards to ensure a perfect fit and long-lasting performance. Below are the technical specifications for the EMPI 22-3118-0 assembly:

• Beam Style: Ball Joint (Dual Pivot)
• Narrowing Width: 2 Inches (1 inch per side)
• Spindle Type: Forged Drop Spindles (Designed for Disc Brakes)
• Lowering Amount: Approximately 2.5 inches from the spindles alone (Adjustable torsion leaves allow for further fine-tuning)
• Trailing Arms: Forged Steel with pre-installed Euro Ball Joints
• Internal Components: Brand new Torsion Leaf Springs, Bearings, and Seals
• Lubrication: Features 4 Zerk Grease Fittings for easy maintenance
• Finish: Gloss Black Powder Coat for corrosion resistance
• Hardware: All internal fasteners torqued to OEM specifications
• Required Accessories: Requires Narrowed Tie Rods, Shocks, and a Steering Box (Sold Separately)

PRO TIPS

1. Account for Tie Rod Geometry

Because this beam is narrowed by 2 inches, your stock-length tie rods will be too long to achieve proper alignment. You MUST use narrowed tie rods specifically designed for a 2-inch narrowed beam. Attempting to "thread in" stock tie rods all the way usually results in insufficient thread engagement or an inability to set the toe-in correctly. Always perform a professional alignment immediately after installation to ensure your tires don''t wear prematurely and your VW tracks straight down the highway.

2. Selecting the Correct Shocks

When installing a beam with drop spindles and narrowed geometry, your shock travel requirements change. Standard length shocks may "bottom out" before the suspension reaches its full compression, leading to a harsh ride and potential damage to the shock towers. We highly recommend using "Short-Travel" or "Lowered" shocks specifically valved for narrowed ball joint beams. This ensures the shock operates within its intended stroke range, providing a much smoother ride and better damping over bumps.

3. Don''t Forget the Grease

While EMPI ships these beams pre-greased, the shipping process and initial "settling" of the torsion leaves can create small air pockets. Before you take your first long drive, we recommend giving each of the four zerk fittings a few pumps of high-quality moly-grease until you see a small amount of fresh grease purging from the seals. This ensures the internal bearings are fully packed and the torsion leaves can slide against each other without friction, preventing the "squeaking" often associated with new VW front ends.