Tie Rod, Ball Joint Right Side, Chrome, Beetle 68-77

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the steering geometry of your air-cooled Volkswagen, precision and reliability are non-negotiable, but who says you can''t have show-stopping style at the same time? This EMPI Chrome Right Side Tie Rod Assembly is engineered specifically for 1968 through 1977 Type 1 Beetles equipped with a ball joint front end. Whether you are performing a ground-up restoration on a classic street cruiser or putting the finishing touches on a high-end sand rail, this tie rod provides the structural integrity required for safe handling while offering a high-luster chrome finish that demands attention. Replacing a worn, bent, or rusted tie rod isn''t just about passing inspection; it''s about restoring that tight, responsive steering feel that makes a classic VW so much fun to drive. By choosing this chrome-plated version, you are opting for a component that resists the elements better than raw steel while providing a custom look that standard black components simply cannot match.

Engineering excellence meets aesthetic brilliance in this complete assembly. The right side tie rod on a late-model Beetle is the longer of the two steering links, spanning from the steering box pitman arm area over to the passenger side spindle. Because this part is so visible on vehicles with narrowed beams, open-wheeled buggies, or lowered stances, the triple-chrome plating serves as a focal point of your front suspension. EMPI has manufactured this unit to meet or exceed original equipment specifications, ensuring that the tapers on the ball joints seat perfectly into your spindles and steering knuckles. This assembly includes the tie rod tube and the necessary tie rod ends, providing a comprehensive solution for your steering refresh. Don''t settle for a dingy, painted rod when you can bolt on a piece of jewelry that performs as well as it looks, ensuring your Volkswagen remains the king of the local car show and the master of the open road.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
• Custom Applications: Any Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or Baja Bug utilizing a 1968-later VW Ball Joint Front Beam.
• Note: Not compatible with Super Beetle (1302/1303) models using MacPherson strut suspension.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-2828-0
• Finish: High-Luster Triple-Chrome Plating
• Placement: Right Side (Passenger Side on LHD vehicles)
• Suspension Type: Ball Joint Front End
• Shipping Weight: 3.09 lbs
• Construction: Heavy-Duty Tubular Steel
• Includes: Chrome Tie Rod Tube and complete Tie Rod Ends with boots and hardware.
• GTIN: 707924362206

PRO TIPS

Pro Tip 1: The Importance of a Professional Alignment. Whenever you replace a steering component like a tie rod, your vehicle''s toe-in setting will be significantly altered. Even if you measure the old rod and try to replicate its length, tiny variances can lead to rapid tire wear and "darty" handling. Once you have installed your new chrome tie rod, immediately take your VW to an alignment shop or use a precision home-alignment tool to set your toe-in to factory specifications (typically 1/16 to 1/8 inch for most street Beetles). This ensures your tires last longer and your steering wheel stays centered while cruising down the highway.

Pro Tip 2: Protect Your Chrome Investment. While the chrome plating on this EMPI tie rod is durable, the underside of a Volkswagen is a harsh environment filled with road salts, moisture, and debris. To keep that show-quality shine from pitting or rusting over time, we recommend applying a high-quality automotive wax or a dedicated chrome sealant before installation. Regularly cleaning the rod with a soft microfiber cloth and a quick-detailer spray during your routine car washes will prevent road grime from baking onto the surface, ensuring that your suspension looks as good five years from now as it does the day you take it out of the box.

Pro Tip 3: Anti-Seize is Your Best Friend. Before you thread the tie rod ends into the chrome tube, apply a light coating of silver-grade anti-seize to the threads. This is a critical step that many amateur builders skip. Because chrome plating can sometimes make threads tighter and steel-on-steel contact is prone to oxidation, the anti-seize prevents the components from "galling" or seizing together. This makes future adjustments during alignments effortless and prevents you from having to use a pipe wrenchwhich would destroy your beautiful chrome finishlater down the road if you need to fine-tune your steering geometry.