EMPI Extended Caster Shim Mounting Bolts | Air-Cooled VW Front Beam | High-Strength Hardware (22-2816-0)

EMPI Extended Caster Shim Mounting Bolts | High-Strength Air-Cooled VW Front-End Hardware

When you install caster shims to correct the front-end geometry of a lowered Volkswagen, the added gap between the axle beam and the frame head leaves the factory bolts too short for safe use. The EMPI Extended Caster Shim Bolts restore full thread engagement and keep your modified front end structurally sound.

These high-strength bolts add the length needed to pass through the beam and the caster shims and thread fully into the frame head (pan head), so you avoid pulling threads or letting a beam work loose from insufficient grip. Upgrading this hardware is a mandatory safety step on any shimmed suspension setup.

Vehicle Fitment

Compatible with all air-cooled Volkswagen models using the standard 4-bolt front axle beam mounting system.

• VW Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1946–1977 (except Super Beetle)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956–1974, all models
• VW Type 2 (Bus/Transporter): 1950–1967, split-window models
• VW Type 3 (Notch, Fast, Square): 1961–1973, all models
• Dune Buggy / Sand Rail: all, using standard VW frame heads

Key Features & Benefits

• Extended Length: Sized to accommodate the thickness of EMPI's billet caster shim range (1.25° through 5.25°).
• Maximum Thread Engagement: Deep penetration into the frame head for a secure, locked-in front axle beam.
• High-Strength Grade: Manufactured to meet or exceed the load requirements for air-cooled VW front-end assemblies.
• Corrosion Resistant: Finished to withstand the elements and maintain integrity over time.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 22-2816-0
• Application: Standard 4-bolt front axle beam mounting system
• Shim Compatibility: EMPI billet caster shims 1.25°–5.25°
• Finish: Corrosion-resistant

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do I need longer bolts when adding caster shims? The shims increase the gap between the axle beam and frame head, so the stock bolts no longer reach far enough for safe thread engagement. These extended bolts restore full grip.
• Which caster shims do these fit? They are sized for EMPI's billet caster shim range from 1.25° through 5.25°.
• Do these fit my Bus or Type 3? Yes — they fit any air-cooled VW using the standard 4-bolt front axle beam mount, including Beetle, Karmann Ghia, Bus, and Type 3.

Installation

Tech Tip: Proper torque is critical for front-end safety. When installing your beam with these extended bolts and caster shims, ensure you are torquing to factory specifications and checking them again after the first 50–100 miles of driving.

Explore Related Categories

Dialing in a lowered front end? Browse Suspension for beams, shims, and dampers, Hardware for fasteners and mounting kits, and All VW Air-Cooled for the rest of your build.