When you''re behind the wheel of a classic 1956-1965 Beetle, that "floating" feeling through the corners isn''t just part of the vintage charmit''s a symptom of an undersized or worn-out front suspension system that was never designed for modern radial tires or higher highway speeds. Upgrading to this EMPI 3/4-inch heavy-duty front sway bar is one of the single most effective ways to transform your Volkswagen''s road manners from a drifting boat to a precision-guided machine. By significantly increasing the torsional rigidity of the front suspension, this sway bar works to keep your tires flat against the asphalt during aggressive cornering or sudden lane changes. Whether you''re navigating tight canyon roads or just trying to maintain stability in a crosswind on the highway, the added thickness of this 3/4" bar provides the leverage necessary to counteract body roll and give you a much-needed sense of confidence and control.
Engineered by EMPI, the most trusted name in the air-cooled aftermarket, this front sway bar is crafted from high-tensile spring steel to ensure it maintains its shape and performance under extreme stress. Unlike standard rubber bushings that rot, crack, and flex excessively over time, this kit includes high-performance red urethane bushings. Urethane is far more resistant to oil, road grime, and ozone, ensuring that your sway bar remains responsive and quiet for years to come. This bar is specifically designed for the King Pin front end, providing a perfect fit for the narrow-beam era of Beetles and Ghias. By reducing the lean of the body, you effectively improve the weight distribution across all four tires, leading to more predictable steering and a safer, more enjoyable driving experience every time you turn the key. It is the essential upgrade for any restocal, daily driver, or performance-built air-cooled project.
1. Lubrication is Key for Urethane
While urethane bushings are vastly superior to rubber in terms of performance and longevity, they have a reputation for squeaking if installed dry. When installing your new EMPI sway bar, always apply a generous amount of high-quality silicone-based grease or a specialized "super lube" to the inner diameter of the red urethane bushings where they contact the bar. This creates a barrier that prevents friction-induced noise and ensures the bar can pivot smoothly as your suspension travels up and down. Avoid using petroleum-based greases, as they can eventually cause the urethane to degrade or swell.
2. Inspect Your Link Pins and King Pins
Since you''ll be working on the front suspension to install this 3/4" sway bar, it is the perfect time to perform a thorough inspection of your King Pins and Link Pins. A heavy-duty sway bar works best when the rest of the suspension is tight. If there is excessive play in your Link Pins, the handling benefits of the sway bar will be masked by the "slop" in the front end. Check for vertical play and grease your front beam thoroughly using the zerk fittings while the car is jacked up and the suspension is unloaded to ensure the grease reaches the wear surfaces.
3. Upgrade Your Clamps for the Ultimate Setup
This sway bar is designed to work with your original factory clamps, but after 60+ years, those stock clamps are often pitted, rusted, or bent. To ensure the best performance and a show-quality look, we highly recommend pairing this bar with a Stainless Steel Sway Bar Clamp Kit (Part Number 00-9692-0). Stainless clamps won''t rust and provide a much stronger, more secure attachment point for the larger 3/4" bar. If you choose to reuse your stock clamps, ensure they are cleaned thoroughly and check for any stress cracks before final torque.