EMPI Front Caster Shim Set | Air-Cooled VW & Dune Buggy | 5.25° 6061-T6 Billet, Pair (22-3020-0)

EMPI Front Caster Shim Set — 5.25°, 6061 T-6 Billet Aluminum (Pair)

Correct extreme front-end geometry issues with the EMPI 5.25° Front Caster Shim Set. Specifically engineered for "slammed" or ultra-lowered air-cooled Volkswagens, these shims are the most aggressive single-shim solution available. When you lower a VW front end significantly, the beam pivots forward, losing the positive caster required for stable handling — causing bump steer, front-end wandering at highway speeds, and a steering wheel that refuses to return to center.

By installing these 5.25-degree shims, you tilt the entire axle beam back, restoring necessary positive caster. This significantly improves straight-line tracking and driver confidence at cruising speeds. Machined from high-strength 6061 T-6 billet aluminum, these shims provide a solid, singular mounting surface that is far safer and more stable than stacking multiple thinner shims.

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 a solid, non-compressible mounting surface — a safer, more stable alternative to stacking multiple thin plates.

Key Features & Benefits

• Extreme Adjustment: Provides 5.25 degrees of caster — ideal for narrowed and adjustable beams or extreme drops.
• Billet Aluminum Construction: CNC-machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum to prevent compression or shifting under suspension load.
• High-Speed Stability: Eliminates the twitchy feeling of lowered front ends by re-establishing correct suspension rake.
• Safety First: A single-shim design eliminates the risks of shim walk or bolt loosening caused by stacking thin plates.
• Sold as a Pair: Two precision-matched shims for one complete front axle beam.

Technical Specifications

• Caster adjustment: 5.25 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: 22-3020-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will these fit a Super Beetle? No — they are for standard (non-Super Beetle) front axle beams.
• How many come in a set? A pair — enough for one complete front axle beam.
• Who is the 5.25° shim for? It is the most aggressive single-shim option, ideal for narrowed/adjustable beams or extreme drops.

Installation

Tech Tip: Because 5.25 degrees adds significant thickness between the beam and the frame head, Longer Front End Mounting Bolts are mandatory for a safe installation. Ensure you have at least 1/2" to 5/8" of thread engagement into the frame head.

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