EMPI Front Caster Shim Set | Air-Cooled VW & Dune Buggy | 2.50° (6mm) 6061-T6 Billet, Pair (22-3018-0)

EMPI Front Caster Shim Set — 2.50° (6mm), 6061 T-6 Billet Aluminum (Pair)

Maintain precise handling and straight-line tracking with the EMPI 2.50° (6mm) Front Caster Shim Set. This set is a vital suspension tuning tool for any air-cooled Volkswagen that has been moderately lowered. Lowering a VW front end alters the tilt of the axle beam, often reducing positive caster and causing the steering to feel light, twitchy, or prone to wandering at highway speeds.

By installing these shims between the lower axle beam tube and the frame head, you tilt the beam back to restore the factory-intended caster angle, improving steering self-centering and stability. Machined from high-grade 6061 T-6 billet aluminum, these shims offer a durable, non-compressible mounting surface that keeps your front end aligned even under heavy cornering loads.

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 to prevent the shifting or compression associated with cheaper stamped-steel shims, giving a single-plate solution rather than stacking multiple thin shims.

Key Features & Benefits

• Corrects Steering Geometry: Restores 2.50 degrees of positive caster, eliminating the wandering sensation common in lowered Volkswagens.
• Premium Billet Construction: CNC-machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum to prevent shifting or compression.
• Optimized Stability: Increases steering weight and improves return-to-center feel after a turn.
• Anti-Stacking Solution: A single-plate solution rather than stacking multiple thin shims.
• Sold as a Pair: Two 6mm-thick shims, sufficient for one complete front axle beam.

Technical Specifications

• Caster adjustment: 2.50 degrees (6mm)
• 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: 22-3018-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will these fit a Super Beetle? No — they are for standard (non-Super Beetle) front axle beams.
• How thick are they? Each shim is 6mm, providing 2.50 degrees of caster; sold as a pair for one front axle beam.
• Why billet instead of stamped steel? Billet 6061 T-6 resists the shifting and compression of cheaper stamped-steel shims.

Installation

Tech Tip: Because adding shims moves the beam away from the frame head, you should verify your mounting bolt length. We highly recommend using Longer Front End Mounting Bolts to ensure safe thread engagement when using the 6mm (2.50°) shim set.

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