EMPI Forged Drop Spindle Front Disc Kit | Link Pin Beetle/Ghia 1954–65 | 2.5" Drop, 5x130 & 5x205 (22-2925-0)

EMPI Forged Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit — 2.5" Drop, Link Pin, 5-Lug Double-Drilled 5x130 & 5x205 (22-2925-0)

Complete front disc brake conversion kit with forged drop spindles for VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia link pin front suspension. Drops front ride height by 2.5" and upgrades to 5-lug double-drilled disc brake rotors in both Porsche-pattern 5x130mm and Wide-5 5x205mm bolt patterns simultaneously. EMPI part #22-2925-0.

This kit accomplishes two major front-end upgrades at once: a 2.5" front drop via the forged drop spindle geometry — lowering the front without modifying the front beam or torsion leaves — and a 5-lug double-drilled disc brake conversion that replaces the stock 5-lug drum brakes with far more capable discs.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle Type 1 (link pin front): 1954–1965
• VW Karmann Ghia (link pin front): 1956–1965

Verify your specific car carefully. This kit requires the link pin (king pin) front beam. Will NOT fit ball joint front ends (1966 and later) or Super Beetle (MacPherson strut). Pressing out the original link and king pins is necessary when installing the new drop spindles. Confirm your specific car's compatibility with us before ordering on this high-value kit.

Why Choose EMPI?

The forged spindles are significantly stronger than stamped or cast equivalents — the right choice for a part that carries the full weight and braking load of the front end. The double-drilling lets you run period-correct Wide-5 steel wheels or modern Porsche-pattern wheels (BRM, Fuchs-style, etc.) without changing rotors.

Key Features & Benefits

• 2.5" front drop: Lowers front ride height without modifying the beam or torsion leaves.
• 5-lug double-drilled disc brakes: Replaces stock 5-lug drums with discs and adds wheel compatibility with both Porsche (5x130mm) and VW Wide-5 (5x205mm) patterns.
• Forged strength: Forged steel spindles are stronger than stamped or cast alternatives.

Technical Specifications

• Drop: 2.5 inches front ride height reduction
• Spindle: Forged steel drop spindle
• Brake type: Disc brake conversion (front)
• Bolt patterns: Double-drilled — 5x130mm (Porsche) and 5x205mm (Wide-5 VW)
• Lug count: 5-lug
• Front end type: Link pin (king pin)
• Part number: 22-2925-0

Kit Includes

• 2.5" forged drop spindles (pair)
• Brake rotors double-drilled 5x130mm (14x1.5mm threads) and 5x205mm (12x1.5mm threads)
• Brake calipers and pads
• OE-style brake hoses
• SKF wheel bearings and grease seals
• Mounting hardware and instructions
• Dust caps

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will this fit ball joint or Super Beetle front ends? No. This kit requires the link pin (king pin) front beam and will not fit ball joint front ends (1966 and later) or Super Beetle (MacPherson strut).
• What bolt patterns does it support? The rotors are double-drilled for both 5x130mm (Porsche) and 5x205mm (Wide-5 VW), so you can run either without changing rotors.
• What wheel size is required? Minimum 15" wheels; 14" wheels are not compatible with the rotor diameter.

Installation

• Must be used with minimum 15" wheels. 14" wheels are not compatible with the rotor diameter.
• Low-profile (shorter) tires are required to clear the drop. Stock tire heights will rub at the top of suspension travel.
• Front track width increases by approximately 5/8" total (5/16" per side).
• Pressing out the original link and king pins is required. New king/link pins are available as separate parts.
• If converting to 4-wheel disc brakes, a large-bore dual-circuit master cylinder is mandatory. We carry the Wilwood 1" tandem master cylinder kit.

Explore Related Categories

Brakes · Suspension · VW Beetle