Flange 3 Bolt, for Steering Shaft

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the precision and safety of your air-cooled VW steering system, cutting corners is never an option. The EMPI 3-Bolt Steering Shaft Flange is a professional-grade fabrication component designed to streamline your custom steering column builds and repairs. Crafted from heavy-duty mild steel, these die-stamped flanges provide a level of consistency and accuracy that is nearly impossible to achieve with hand-cutting and filing. Whether you are building a high-performance sand rail, a rugged Baja bug, or a custom street rod, this flange serves as the critical link between your steering shaft and the coupler, ensuring a rigid and secure connection that you can trust in the most demanding off-road environments.

At Appletree Auto, we know that fabrication is an art form, but having the right pre-formed parts makes the masterpiece come together much faster. This flange is specifically engineered for 7/8-inch diameter tubing, which is the industry standard for most custom air-cooled VW steering applications. Because it is made from high-quality mild steel, it offers excellent weldability, allowing you to achieve deep penetration and strong beads for a permanent bond. Stop wasting hours in the shop trying to fabricate a circular flange with perfectly spaced holes from scratch; this EMPI flange provides a professional, finished look to your steering assembly while maintaining the structural integrity required for safe operation on the trail or the track.

FITMENT

This fabrication flange is designed for universal application on 7/8-inch steering shafts and is commonly used on the following air-cooled VW based vehicles and custom projects:

• VW Beetle (Standard & Super): All years for custom steering column fabrication.
• VW Karmann Ghia: Ideal for modified steering setups.
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): Custom steering conversions.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Perfect for rugged off-road steering reinforcement.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: The industry standard for custom-built tubular chassis.
• Baja Bugs: Essential for heavy-duty steering shaft upgrades.
• Custom Hot Rods: Any application utilizing a 7/8-inch OD steering tube.

SPECS

This precision-engineered component meets the following technical specifications to ensure a perfect fit for your fabrication project:

• Material: Heavy-duty Die-Stamped Mild Steel.
• Thickness: 1/8 inch (0.125") for maximum rigidity without excessive weight.
• Center Hole Diameter: 7/8 inch (Designed to slip over 7/8" OD tubing).
• Mounting Hole Diameter: 1/4 inch (Three holes spaced for standard couplers).
• Quantity: Sold individually (Each).
• Finish: Raw steel (Ready for welding and paint/powder coat).
• Manufacturer: EMPI.
• Part Number: FAB-3008 (Cross-reference C73-163).

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Proper Metal Preparation

Before you even think about striking an arc, you must ensure the flange and the steering shaft are clinicaly clean. Because these are raw mild steel, they may have a thin layer of shipping oil or light surface oxidation. Use a wire wheel or a flap disc to grind the mating surfaces down to bright, shiny metal. This ensures that your weld doesn''t suffer from porosity or inclusions, which is absolutely vital for a component as critical as a steering shaft. Don''t forget to clean the inside of the 7/8-inch center hole to ensure a snug, clean fit against the tube.

2. Use a Jig or Alignment Bolt for Accuracy

When welding a 3-bolt flange, heat distortion can cause the flange to "pull" or warp if you aren''t careful. To keep everything perfectly square, we recommend bolting the flange to your coupler or a flat steel jig before you begin tack welding. Start with four small tacks at 90-degree intervals around the circumference. Once the tacks are set, double-check that the flange is still perpendicular to the shaft. Proceed with short weld segments rather than one continuous bead to manage the heat soak and prevent the 1/4-inch bolt holes from drifting out of alignment.

3. Selection of Hardware and Safety

Steering components are "single point of failure" items, meaning if the connection fails, you lose control of the vehicle. Always use Grade 8 or higher hardware when bolting through this flange. Standard Grade 5 bolts do not have the shear strength required for high-torque steering maneuvers, especially in off-road vehicles with oversized tires. Additionally, after welding and painting your steering assembly, we recommend using nylon-insert lock nuts (Nylocs) or safety wire to ensure that vibration doesn''t loosen the bolts over time. Your safety depends on the integrity of this connection, so don''t skimp on the finishing hardware.