Pitman Arm, Chrome, for King Pin Tie Rod, LG Shaft

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the steering geometry of your air-cooled Volkswagen, precision is not just a luxuryit is a safety requirement. This EMPI Chrome Pitman Arm is engineered specifically for enthusiasts who are running a "hybrid" steering configuration, often found in custom sand rails, dune buggies, and upgraded classic Beetles. It provides the critical link between your steering gearbox and your tie rods, ensuring that every input at the steering wheel translates into smooth, predictable movement at the tires. Designed to accommodate the larger 24mm steering box output shaft while maintaining the smaller taper required for King Pin style tie rod ends, this component solves a common compatibility headache for builders looking to modernize their steering strength without replacing their entire front-end assembly. The high-luster chrome finish doesn''t just resist the elements; it provides that show-ready brilliance that makes your front beam stand out in the staging lanes or at the local car show.

Durability is the hallmark of the EMPI brand, and this pitman arm is no exception. Forged from high-grade steel and machined to exacting tolerances, it is built to withstand the rigors of both daily street driving and the jarring impacts of off-road excursions. Many builders prefer the "Large Shaft" steering box for its increased internal strength and longevity, but finding a way to mate that box to traditional King Pin spindles can be difficult without the right adapter arm. This specialized pitman arm eliminates the need for sketchy modifications or expensive custom tie rods. By choosing a component that is specifically forged for this application, you are ensuring that your steering linkage remains rigid and free of the "slop" that often plagues older VW front ends. Whether you are finishing a ground-up restoration or tightening up the steering on a rugged woods buggy, this chrome pitman arm delivers the perfect blend of form and function.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle: 1949-1965 (When upgraded to a 1968-later large shaft steering box).
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1965 (When upgraded to a 1968-later large shaft steering box).
• Dune Buggies: All models utilizing a King Pin front beam and a Large Shaft steering box.
• Sand Rails: Custom builds featuring King Pin spindles and 24mm output shaft steering boxes.
• Note: Specifically designed for the "Small Taper" King Pin tie rod ends (10.5mm - 12mm approx. taper).

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2565-0
• Material: Forged Steel for maximum tensile strength.
• Finish: Triple-process Chrome Plating.
• Steering Box Compatibility: Large Shaft (Approx. 24mm Spline Diameter).
• Tie Rod Compatibility: Small Taper (Standard King Pin Tie Rod End).
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• GTIN: 707924356908
• Configuration: Offset design for proper drag link alignment.

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Steering Box Shaft Diameter

Before beginning your installation, it is absolutely vital to verify the size of your steering box output shaft. Volkswagen used two primary sizes: the "Small Shaft" (found on early King Pin cars) and the "Large Shaft" (found on 1968-later Ball Joint cars and most heavy-duty aftermarket boxes). This pitman arm is designed for the 24mm Large Shaft. If you try to force this onto a small shaft box, you will have dangerous play in your steering, and if you try to put a small arm on a large shaft, it simply won''t fit. Always clean the splines on your steering box with a wire brush before sliding the new arm on to ensure a perfect, seated fit without damaging the chrome or the splines.

2. Centering the Steering Box Before Installation

One of the most common mistakes when installing a new pitman arm is failing to center the steering box first. You should turn the steering box input shaft all the way to one side, then count the total rotations to the other side. Divide that number in half and turn the box back to that exact center point. Only then should you install the pitman arm. This ensures that you have an equal turning radius in both directions. If the arm is installed "off-center," your buggy will turn much sharper to one side than the other, and your steering wheel will never truly be straight when the wheels are aligned.

3. Proper Torque and Safety Wire Procedures

Steering components are "single point of failure" items, meaning if they fail, you lose control of the vehicle. When tightening the nut or pinch bolt that secures the pitman arm to the steering box, refer to your factory service manual for the specific torque spec (usually around 60-70 ft-lbs for large shaft applications). We highly recommend using a fresh lock washer and a drop of high-strength thread locker. After your first 50 miles of driving, get back under the front end and re-torque the hardware. The heat and vibration of the road can sometimes cause a new arm to "seat" further onto the splines, which can lead to the nut loosening over time if not checked.