EMPI Disc Brake Conversion Kit - Front - Drop Spindles - 5x205 - 1966-77 Beetle - 1966-77 Ghia

Wide 5 Disc Brake Kit with Drop Spindles for 1966-1977 Beetle & Karmann Ghia

This 2.5" inch drop spindle front disc brake kit from EMPI is double-drilled for both the stock VW 5x205 (wide-5) and 5x130 (Porsche pattern). It fits standard Beetle with a ball joint from end and Karmann Ghias from 1966 through 1977. This disc brake kit will give your classic VW improved stopping power using disc brakes vs. the stock drum brakes. The disc brake kit includes new 2.5" drop spindles, front rotors, calipers & pads, brake hoses, bearings & seals, mounting hardware and instructions. These drop spindles are made for use with stock shocks. 1966 through May 1968 Beetles and Ghias will need late model outer tie rod ends to use this drop spindle disc brake conversion kit. The later model parts can be found in the additional options drop-down selection above. Please note that the front track width of the front end of your vehicle will be increased by about 5/8" over stock. This means the wheels will sit out 5/16" farther per side than stock.

This kit includes the following:

• Disc Brake 2.5" Drop Spindles
• Dual Drilled 5 Lug Pattern Brake Rotors with 12x1.5 Threads
  • 5x205 Lug Pattern Brake Rotors with 12x1.5 Threads
  • 5x130 Lug Pattern Brake Rotors with 14x1.5 Threads
• Brake Calipers & Pads
• Brake Hoses
• Bearings & Seals
• Mounting Hardware & Instructions

Low Profile Tires Required

Lower profile (shorter) tires must be used when installing drop spindles. We offer 145SR15 tires or 135SR15 tires that will fit with drop spindles.

Aftermarket, disc brake specific grease caps are available in the options above for those that don't want to modify or glue (silicone) on original VW grease caps. We also recommend adding quick bleeder valves which make bleeding your brakes much easier.

Installation Notes:

• All brake parts must be thoroughly cleaned and disc brake grease must be used on all brake pad contact surfaces or brake squeak and vibration may occur.
• 15" or larger wheels must be used with the disc brake kit. 14" wheels can not be used.
• The stock master cylinder can be used with front disc brakes. However, if you are converting to 4 wheel disc brakes, you must install a large bore master cylinder.
• Drop spindles can NOT be used on Super Beetles.

Our Expert's Take:

Stock drum brakes are adequate enough for a stock VW if all the components are in good working order. As soon as any performance modifications are made to your VW, the original brakes should be upgraded to suit. Virtually no modern cars use drum brakes, least of all on the front of the car where most of the braking power is. Updating the brakes on your VW should be considered mandatory for any car that is driven regularly. The Standard Beetle or Karmann Ghia drop spindle front disc brake kit lowers the front suspension 2.5" while maintaining the factory ride and steering which is a plus for those looking to drop the front end a bit over stock.

Sam

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Sam Mebane joined the Jbugs team way back in the mid 90's. A Class 11 racing enthusiast, Sam has amassed in-depth knowledge on VW electrical systems and Beetle suspension. He has restored a plethora of VW's including a VW Thing, Squareback, several Beetles, and (currently) a Super Beetle. Customer service, tech support, product testing & development, and youtube spokesperson, Sam has done it all here at JBugs.