EMPI 2.5" Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit | Ball-Joint VW Beetle & Ghia | 5-Lug 5x130 & 5x205 (22-2926-0)

VW Ball-Joint 2.5" Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit — 5-Lug Double-Drilled 5x130 & 5x205 (22-2926-0)

Complete front disc brake conversion kit with forged drop spindles for VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia ball-joint 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 #22-2926-0.

This kit accomplishes two major front-end upgrades at once: a 2.5" front drop via the forged drop spindle geometry (without modifying the front beam or torsion leaves), and a 5-lug double-drilled disc brake conversion that replaces the stock 4-lug drums with far more capable discs. The double-drilling lets you run period-correct Wide-5 steel wheels or modern Porsche-pattern wheels without changing rotors.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Type 1, ball-joint front): 1966–1977
• VW Karmann Ghia (ball-joint front): 1966 (per part documentation)

Key Features & Benefits

• Two Upgrades in One: Combines a 2.5" front drop with a 4-lug drum to 5-lug disc brake conversion.
• Forged Drop Spindles: Significantly stronger than stamped or cast equivalents — the right choice for a part carrying full front-end weight and braking load.
• Dual Bolt Pattern: Double-drilled for both 5x130mm (Porsche) and 5x205mm (Wide-5 VW) wheels.
• No Beam Modification: Achieves the drop through spindle geometry — no changes to the front beam or torsion leaves.
• Wheel Flexibility: Run period-correct Wide-5 steel wheels or modern Porsche-pattern wheels (BRM, Fuchs-style, etc.).

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: Ball joint
• Part Number: 22-2926-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will this fit my 1973 Super Beetle? No. Super Beetles use MacPherson strut front suspension, not the torsion beam with trailing arms found on Standard Beetles. Super Beetle disc brake conversions use entirely different components.
• Can I run my existing 4-lug VW wheels? No. This kit converts to a 5-lug pattern. You'll need new wheels in either the Porsche 5x130mm pattern (Fuchs, BRM, modern aftermarket) or the classic VW Wide-5 5x205mm pattern.
• Why is the drop 2.5" specifically? That's the geometry of the drop spindle — the steering arm and stub axle are offset from the spindle body by 2.5" compared to stock, giving a uniform 2.5" drop without modifying other front-end components.
• Is the master cylinder upgrade included? This kit covers the front spindle, hub, and rotor assembly. Depending on your current setup, you may need an upgraded master cylinder, brake lines, and proportioning to safely run front discs — contact us with questions about the complete brake system.
• Is the install difficult? It's a moderately involved job — the front spindle/hub assemblies must be unbolted from the trailing arms and replaced. Most experienced VW DIYers can do it in a weekend.
• Will I need a front-end alignment after install? Yes, absolutely. Any change to spindle geometry or ride height requires a fresh alignment. Don't drive the car more than necessary to get it to the alignment shop.

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Verify your specific car carefully. This kit requires the ball joint front beam. Will NOT fit link pin front ends (1965 and earlier) or Super Beetle (MacPherson strut). Year-by-year fitment can vary based on small VW production changes — confirm your specific car's compatibility with us before ordering on this high-value kit.