{"product_id":"ball-joint-beam-adjuster-steel-weld-in-height-adjuster-part-22-2801-0","title":"Ball Joint Beam Adjuster — Steel Weld-In Height Control, VW Type 1 1966–1977 (22-2801-0)","description":"\u003cp\u003eSteel weld-in ball joint beam adjuster for VW Type 1 ball joint front suspension. Cut the center section of your front beam and weld this adjuster in to gain full, infinite ride-height adjustability without permanently committing to a single drop or lift setting. EMPI part #22-2801-0.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat a beam adjuster does and why builders install one\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe factory VW front beam uses pre-set torsion leaves that lock the ride height at the factory setting (or whatever drop spindle \/ dropped beam configuration you've installed). Once it's set, changing the ride height means tearing the beam apart again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA weld-in adjuster replaces a small section of the torsion tube with an adjustable mechanism that lets you turn a center stop, which rotates the inner ends of the torsion leaves and changes the resting angle of the trailing arms — and therefore the ride height — by anywhere from a couple inches of drop to a slight lift, all with a wrench and a few minutes under the car.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the standard upgrade for builders who want to dial in the perfect stance, change ride height for shows vs. driving, run dropped spindles plus adjustable drop, or build a custom suspension where you don't yet know the final ride height you'll want.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Weld-in (replaces a center section of the torsion tube)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuous, infinite within the adjustment range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball joint front beam only\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single adjuster (you need one — they fit the center of the beam)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22-2801-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Beetle (Standard, ball joint front): 1966–1977\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Karmann Ghia (ball joint front): 1966–1974\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDune buggies, sand rails, kit cars using a 1966+ VW ball joint front beam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Link pin front beams (1965 and earlier Beetles use the older link pin front end with different beam geometry — order the link-pin-specific adjuster instead). Also will not fit Super Beetles, which use a MacPherson strut front suspension, not a torsion beam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need one adjuster or two?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe factory VW front beam has two horizontal torsion tubes (upper and lower). A complete adjustable beam typically uses an adjuster in each tube. Check whether you want to make both adjustable or just one — many builders adjust only the lower tube, leaving the upper at factory setting, which still gives plenty of adjustment range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I install this myself?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nOnly if you're comfortable cutting and welding a structural suspension component. The beam has to be cut precisely, the adjuster welded in perpendicular to the tube axis, and the surrounding metal preserved. A bad weld here is a serious safety issue. If you're not experienced, take it to a qualified VW shop or fab shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much can I lower my car with this?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe adjuster itself gives you continuous adjustment within a range. The total drop available depends on how the rest of your front end is set up (stock vs dropped spindles, stock vs trimmed torsion leaves, etc.). For a typical Cal-look slammed stance, builders combine the adjuster with dropped spindles and modified leaves. For a mild 1–2\" drop, the adjuster alone is usually enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill I lose alignment when I change ride height?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes, somewhat. Adjusting ride height changes camber and caster. Plan to re-align the front end after any significant adjustment. For show-vs-drive height changes, many builders find a compromise alignment that works at both settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this safe for street driving?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA properly-welded, properly-installed adjuster is fully street safe — this is a standard, decades-old upgrade in the VW world. The key word is \"properly\" — the welds and installation have to be done correctly. Don't compromise on either.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this work with my bare R51 German beam?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Pairing this adjuster with a bare, refurbished German beam is the ideal starting point for a custom Cal-look or resto-mod front end build.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44474591379571,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/22-2801-0-500x546.jpg?v=1774333442","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/ball-joint-beam-adjuster-steel-weld-in-height-adjuster-part-22-2801-0","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}