EMPI Front Caster Shim Set | Air-Cooled VW & Dune Buggy | 1.25° 6061-T6 Billet, Pair (22-3017-0)

EMPI Front Caster Shim Set — 1.25°, 6061 T-6 Billet Aluminum (Pair)

Fine-tune your front-end geometry with the EMPI 1.25° Front Caster Shim Set. Even a mild drop in ride height can affect the caster angle of an air-cooled Volkswagen, leading to a lighter steering feel and reduced tracking stability. These shims are the perfect solution for street cars with moderate lowering jobs or for dialing in precise alignment specs.

By tilting the front axle beam back slightly, these shims increase positive caster — helping maintain a steady line on the highway and improving the steering wheel's natural return to center after a turn. Precision CNC-machined from 6061 T-6 billet aluminum, they provide a high-strength, solid foundation that won't compress or shift like lesser materials.

Vehicle Fitment

Fits all standard (non-Super Beetle) air-cooled VW front-axle beams, both ball-joint and link-pin:

• VW Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1946–1977 (except Super Beetle)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1974
• VW Type 2 (Bus/Transporter): 1950–1967 (split-window models)
• VW Type 3 (Notchback, Fastback, Squareback): 1961–1973
• Dune Buggy / Sand Rail: Standard VW axle beams

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI machines these shims from 6061 T-6 billet aluminum for maximum durability, letting you use one solid shim rather than stacking multiple thin plates.

Key Features & Benefits

• Subtle Geometry Correction: Provides 1.25 degrees of caster adjustment, ideal for mild lowering or fine-tuning professional alignments.
• Premium Billet Construction: Machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum for durability and resistance to the elements.
• Enhanced Driving Dynamics: Improves straight-line stability and reduces effort to keep the car centered at cruising speeds.
• Zero-Stack Solution: Part of the EMPI graduated shim family — one solid shim rather than stacking thin plates.
• Sold as a Pair: Two matched shims, enough for one front axle beam.

Technical Specifications

• Caster adjustment: 1.25 degrees
• Material: 6061 T-6 billet aluminum (CNC-machined)
• Fits: Standard (non-Super Beetle) ball-joint and link-pin front beams
• Sold as: Pair (one front axle beam)
• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 22-3017-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will these fit a Super Beetle? No — they are for standard (non-Super Beetle) front axle beams.
• When should I choose the 1.25° shim? It is the thinnest in the series — ideal for mild lowering or fine-tuning a professional alignment.
• How many come in a set? A pair — enough for one front axle beam.

Installation

Tech Tip: While 1.25 degrees is the thinnest shim in the series, it still increases the gap between your beam and the frame head. Always inspect your Front End Mounting Bolts for proper thread engagement (typically a minimum of 1.5x the bolt diameter) to ensure a safe installation.

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