{"product_id":"forged-drop-spindle-front-disc-brake-kit-ball-joint-5-lug-double-drilled-5x205mm-and-5x130mm","title":"EMPI 2.5\" Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit | Ball-Joint VW Beetle \u0026 Ghia | 5-Lug 5x130 \u0026 5x205 (22-2926-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eVW Ball-Joint 2.5\" Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit — 5-Lug Double-Drilled 5x130 \u0026amp; 5x205 (22-2926-0)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete front disc brake conversion kit with \u003cb\u003eforged drop spindles\u003c\/b\u003e for VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia ball-joint front suspension. Drops front ride height by \u003cb\u003e2.5\"\u003c\/b\u003e and upgrades to 5-lug double-drilled disc brake rotors in both Porsche-pattern \u003cb\u003e5x130mm\u003c\/b\u003e and Wide-5 \u003cb\u003e5x205mm\u003c\/b\u003e bolt patterns simultaneously. EMPI part #22-2926-0.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Beetle (Type 1, ball-joint front):\u003c\/b\u003e 1966–1977\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Karmann Ghia (ball-joint front):\u003c\/b\u003e 1966 (per part documentation)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTwo Upgrades in One:\u003c\/b\u003e Combines a 2.5\" front drop with a 4-lug drum to 5-lug disc brake conversion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eForged Drop Spindles:\u003c\/b\u003e Significantly stronger than stamped or cast equivalents — the right choice for a part carrying full front-end weight and braking load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDual Bolt Pattern:\u003c\/b\u003e Double-drilled for both 5x130mm (Porsche) and 5x205mm (Wide-5 VW) wheels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eNo Beam Modification:\u003c\/b\u003e Achieves the drop through spindle geometry — no changes to the front beam or torsion leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWheel Flexibility:\u003c\/b\u003e Run period-correct Wide-5 steel wheels or modern Porsche-pattern wheels (BRM, Fuchs-style, etc.).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eDrop:\u003c\/b\u003e 2.5 inches front ride height reduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSpindle:\u003c\/b\u003e Forged steel drop spindle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBrake Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Disc brake conversion (front)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eBolt Patterns:\u003c\/b\u003e Double-drilled — 5x130mm (Porsche) and 5x205mm (Wide-5 VW)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eLug Count:\u003c\/b\u003e 5-lug\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eFront End Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Ball joint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/b\u003e 22-2926-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill this fit my 1973 Super Beetle?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCan I run my existing 4-lug VW wheels?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhy is the drop 2.5\" specifically?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs the master cylinder upgrade included?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eIs the install difficult?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill I need a front-end alignment after install?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete your build with our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/brakes\"\u003eBrakes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/wheels\"\u003eWheels\u003c\/a\u003e collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerify your specific car carefully.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44708187046003,"sku":null,"price":780.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/22-2926-0-500x386.jpg?v=1775691857","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/forged-drop-spindle-front-disc-brake-kit-ball-joint-5-lug-double-drilled-5x205mm-and-5x130mm","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}