EMPI Forged Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit — Link Pin, 2.5" Drop, 5x130 & 5x4.75 | VW Beetle 1954–1965 & Karmann Ghia 1955–1965 (22-2882-0)

EMPI Forged Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit — Link Pin, 2.5" Drop, 5x130 (22-2882-0)

Want an early link-pin Bug lower and stopping better, and on 5-lug Porsche or Chevy-pattern wheels? Doing that in pieces means sourcing spindles, rotors and calipers that may not match. EMPI 22-2882-0 does it in one kit: forged 2.5" drop spindles with the disc brakes already matched to them, and rotors drilled for both 5x130 and 5x4.75".

Key Features & Benefits

• 2.5" drop and discs in one job: forged drop spindles replace the stock link-pin spindles, so the beam, torsion leaves and shock travel stay stock.
• Dual-drilled rotors: 5x130 mm (14 x 1.5 mm threads) and 5x4.75" (12 mm threads) in the same rotor, so you can run Porsche-pattern or Chevy-pattern wheels.
• Complete front kit: rotors, calipers and pads, 2.5" forged drop spindles, wheel bearings and grease seals, OE-style hoses, dust caps, hardware and instructions (EMPI list).
• Serviceable: replacement pads are stock EMPI 22-2890-0, or 22-2992-0 premium.

Fitment

This kit fits the front of link-pin VW Beetles 1954–1965 and Karmann Ghias 1955–1965, with 5x130 or 5x4.75" wheels of 15" or larger.

• CONFIRMED (EMPI): 1954–1965 VW Beetle and 1955–1965 Karmann Ghia, front, 5x130 and 5x4.75" lug patterns, 2.5" drop spindles included.
• REQUIRES: 15" or larger wheels, wheel studs (not included), and new king and link pins (the old ones come out to swap the spindles).
• NOTE: the spindles are offset 1/4", which widens the front track about 5/8" in total. Low-profile tires (135R15 or 145R15) are recommended by dealers.
• DOES NOT FIT: 1966-on ball-joint front ends, Super Beetle, or Wide-5 5x205 wheels (see 22-2880-0 or 22-2925-0).
• NOT CONFIRMED: Porsche 356, dune buggies and kit cars on link-pin beams, and narrowed beams. Ask before ordering.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: EMPI 22-2882-0
• Type: Front disc brake kit with forged 2.5" drop spindles, link pin
• Lug Pattern: Dual-drilled 5x130 mm (14 x 1.5 mm) and 5x4.75" (12 mm)
• Spindle Offset: 1/4" (about +5/8" total track)
• Wheel Size: 15" minimum
• Replacement Pads: 22-2890-0 (premium 22-2992-0)
• Wheel Studs: Not included
• Sold As: Kit (both front wheels)
• UPC: 707924362466
• Country of Origin: China
• Shipping Weight: 59.25 lb
• Package Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 22 in

Installation Notes

• Brakes and steering are safety-critical. If you have not rebuilt a link-pin front end before, have a trained mechanic do the job.
• Press out the king and link pins, fit the new spindles with fresh pins and bushings, and ream or hone the bushings to the pin as the factory manual describes.
• Clean every brake surface and put disc-brake grease on the pad backs and caliper contact points. Use DOT 3 fluid and route the hoses so they cannot rub at full lock.
• Get a front-end alignment, then check tire clearance at full lock and full compression before driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does this fit a 1964 VW Beetle? Yes. It fits 1954–1965 link-pin (king-pin) Beetles and 1955–1965 Karmann Ghias, and it replaces your spindles, so the original spindle type does not matter.
• What wheels does it take? 5-lug wheels on 5x130 (Porsche) or 5x4.75 in (Chevy), 15 inches or larger. The rotors are dual-drilled for both patterns. Wheel studs are not included.
• How much does it lower the car? 2.5 inches at the front, from the forged drop spindles, while keeping stock beam geometry and shock travel.
• Does it change the track width? Yes, slightly. The spindles are offset 1/4 in, which widens the front track by about 5/8 in in total. Dealers recommend low-profile tires such as 135R15 or 145R15.
• Do I need anything else? The spindle swap means the king pins and link pins come out, so plan on a link and king pin rebuild kit. The stock master cylinder is fine for front discs only; go large-bore if you also convert the rear.
• What is the part number? EMPI 22-2882-0 (short number 2882). Replacement pads are EMPI 22-2890-0 (premium 22-2992-0). UPC 707924362466.
• How does it ship? Ground parcel, about 59.25 lb in a 13 x 13 x 22 in carton. It is not hazmat. It is heavy, so allow ground transit time. It is set up as backorder-OK: if it is not on our shelf, we order it from EMPI and ship when it arrives.
• Are you an authorized EMPI dealer? Yes. Washburn's Metal is an authorized EMPI dealer (account on file), and this is a genuine EMPI-catalog part shipped in the manufacturer's packaging.

Explore Related Categories

Doing the pins at the same time? See the EMPI Link & King Pin Rebuild Kit and 22-2890-0 replacement pads. Also browse Brakes & 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.