VW Beetle Drop Spindles 2.5" — EMPI Forged, Ball Joint, Drum Brake, Pair | VW Bug 1966–1977 & Karmann Ghia 1966 (22-3975-0)
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EMPI Forged 2.5" Drop Spindle Set — Ball Joint, Drum Brake (22-3975-0)
Short answer: EMPI 22-3975-0 is a forged left-and-right pair of 2.5" drop spindles for 1966–1977 ball-joint VW Beetles with front drum brakes (and the 1966 Karmann Ghia, dealer-listed). Zero offset keeps factory track width and steering geometry, and the beam, torsion leaves and stock shocks stay in place. It reuses the stock drum brake. Not for Super Beetle or disc brakes.
Part numbers: EMPI 22-3975-0 (short 22-3975 / 3975; supersedes 22-2859). Singles: 22-3975-1 (left), 22-3975-2 (right). UPC 707924542479.
Vehicle Fitment
| Years | Vehicle | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1966–1977 | VW Beetle (Type 1) | Ball-joint front suspension with front drum brakes (EMPI) |
| 1966 | VW Karmann Ghia | Ball joint, front drum brakes (dealer-listed) |
| Does not fit | Super Beetle (1971–1979) | MacPherson strut front end |
| Does not fit | Link-pin / king-pin cars | 1965 and earlier |
| Does not fit | Front disc brakes, incl. 1967–1974 Karmann Ghia | See EMPI 22-3955-0 |
| Not confirmed | Thing, ball-joint buggies and Bajas, narrowed beams | Check with us before ordering |
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part number | EMPI 22-3975-0 (supersedes 22-2859) |
| Type | Forged 2.5" drop spindles, ball-joint, drum brake, zero offset |
| Bearing collars | 29 mm inner, 17.5 mm outer (1968½-on size, dealer-published) |
| Sold as | Pair (left and right) |
| Brakes | Not included; reuses the stock drum brake |
| UPC | 707924542479 |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
| Shipping weight | 14.85 lb |
| Package dimensions | 11 x 7 x 9 in |
What's Included
Included:
- Left and right forged drop spindles
Not included:
- Brakes (reuses the stock drum brake)
- Tie rod ends, wheel bearings and seals (needed on 1966 to about May 1968 cars)
Why It Matters
Lowering a ball-joint Beetle by cutting or adjusting the beam trades ride quality and steering geometry for stance. A drop spindle keeps the beam, torsion leaves and shock travel stock and moves the wheel stub up 2.5 inches instead; forged construction and zero offset head off the alignment and bump-steer problems of cheaper lowering methods.
Installation Notes
- Support the car on stands under the frame head or pan, never on the jack alone.
- Pull the drum and backing plate, separate the tie rod end and both ball joints with the correct tool rather than a pickle fork, and transfer the backing plate to the new spindle.
- Fit new bearings and seals, pack them with fresh wheel-bearing grease and set bearing play per the factory manual.
- Get a front-end alignment afterward and check tire clearance at full lock in both directions before driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do the EMPI 22-3975-0 drop spindles fit a 1970 VW Beetle? Yes, if it is a standard (torsion-bar, ball-joint) Beetle that still has front drum brakes. EMPI lists it for 1966–1977 Beetles. It does not fit the Super Beetle.
- Will drum brake drop spindles work with front disc brakes? No. This set is machined for the drum-brake backing plate. For 2-piston disc brakes, the matching EMPI set is 22-3955-0.
- What else do I need for drop spindles on a 1966 to mid-1968 Beetle? Early ball-joint cars (before about May 1968) also need the later-style outer tie rod ends, wheel bearings and seals, because these spindles use the 1968½-and-later sizes (29 mm inner and 17.5 mm outer bearing collar, dealer-published).
- Do I need different shocks or tires with 2.5 inch drop spindles? Stock-length shocks work, because the drop comes from the spindle, not the beam. Plan on a smaller-diameter front tire, as dealers warn that stock-size tires can rub at full lock and over bumps once the car sits 2.5 inches lower.
- What is the part number? EMPI 22-3975-0 (short number 3975). It is a left and right pair; the singles are 22-3975-1 (left) and 22-3975-2 (right). It supersedes the old EMPI 22-2859. UPC 707924542479.
Explore Related Categories
Lowering a Beetle with discs? See the EMPI 22-3955-0 disc-brake drop spindles. Also browse Suspension & Components, VW Beetle Parts, VW Karmann Ghia Parts and the full EMPI Parts catalog.
Prop 65 Warning
⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. All parts legal for use on pre-pollution controlled vehicles only.
