1966-1977 VW Beetle & Karmann Disc Brake Kit - Wilwood Calipers - Front - Drop Spindles - 4x130

EMPI Wilwood Caliper 2.5" Drop Spindle 4x130 Front Disc Brake Kit

• Bolt-on 2.5" drop disc brake spindles
• Silver zinc-plated cross-drilled and slotted brake rotors
• Factory ride and steering geometry
• Wilwood disc brake calipers and pads
• Simple installation

EMPI's Wilwood caliper-equipped 2.5-inch drop spindle 4x130 front disc brake kit fits ball joint front-end Standard Beetles and Karmann Ghias from 1966-1977. This kit provides modern braking performance while maintaining factory ride and steering geometry. The kit includes new 2.5" drop spindles, silver zinc-plated rotors that are cross-drilled and slotted for cooling, bearings, wheel seals, dust caps, mounting hardware, and instructions. These drop spindles are designed for use with stock shocks.

EMPI has partnered with Wilwood Brakes to develop a high-performance stock VW-style replacement brake caliper. The billet aluminum Wilwood drop spindle disc brake conversion kit includes Wilwood-specific brake pads, offering the ultimate braking upgrade. The calipers are available in raw, black, or red finishes for a custom look.

Kit Includes

• Disc brake 2.5" drop spindles
• Silver zinc-plated cross-drilled and slotted brake rotors
• 4x130 lug pattern with 14x1.5 threads
• Wilwood brake calipers and pads
• Bearings, seals, and caps
• Mounting hardware and instructions

Product Fitment

• 1966-1977 Standard Beetle (ball joint front end only)
• 1966-1977 Karmann Ghia (ball joint front end only)

Additional Notes

• Low-profile (shorter) tires must be used when installing drop spindles. We offer 145SR15 or 135SR15 tires that fit with drop spindles.
• 1966 through May 1968 models require 1968.5-1977 outer tie rod ends.
• Quick bleeder valves are available to simplify brake bleeding.

Installation Notes

• All brake parts must be thoroughly cleaned, and disc brake grease must be applied to all brake pad contact surfaces to prevent squeaking and vibration.
• 15" or larger wheels are required for this disc brake kit. 14" wheels cannot be used.
• The stock master cylinder can be used with front disc brakes. However, a large bore master cylinder is required for a four-wheel disc brake conversion.
• Drop spindles cannot 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, and cross drilled and slotted brake rotors add to a more high performance look. Wilwood Disc Brake Calipers add to the high performance looks. 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.