Wide Disc Brake Kit, 5 On 205mm, Swing Axle, Short Spline

Take Control of Your Stopping Power with the EMPI Wide Track Disc Brake Kit

When you''re pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen through the dunes or tearing up the trail, the last thing you want to worry about is brake fade from outdated rear drums. This EMPI Wide Disc Brake Kit is the definitive solution for off-roaders and custom builders who demand superior stopping performance and a wider, more stable footprint. Designed specifically for short-spline swing axle configurations, this kit replaces your stock drum setup with massive, high-performance disc components. The "Wide Track" design adds an extra 1 inch of width per side, providing that aggressive stance and increased lateral stability that is crucial for high-speed off-road maneuvers. By moving to a disc setup, you gain consistent, predictable braking power that won''t let you down when the heat is on.

Engineering excellence is at the heart of this EMPI kit. Featuring a robust 1-piece rotor design, these units are built to withstand the extreme stresses of off-road racing and heavy-duty street use. The rotors are uniquely dual-threaded to accept both 12mm and 14mm wheel studs, giving you the ultimate flexibility when selecting your vintage-style 5 on 205mm wheels. This is a non-ebrake (non-emergency brake) kit, which simplifies the installation process and reduces mechanical complexity for dedicated race cars, sand rails, and trail rigs. Each component, from the heavy-duty mounting brackets to the high-friction brake pads, has been selected to ensure a perfect fit and a massive upgrade in deceleration over the original factory equipment. Don''t settle for "good enough" when it comes to your safety and performance; upgrade to the reliability of EMPI disc brakes.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

This kit is designed specifically for Volkswagen Type 1 swing axle rear ends utilizing short splines. Please verify your axle length before ordering to ensure a seamless installation.

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1958 through 1967 (Swing Axle models).
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1958 through 1967 (Swing Axle models).
• Custom Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Any chassis utilizing a 1958-1967 short-spline swing axle transaxle.
• Note: Not compatible with IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) or long-spline 1968-later swing axles.

Technical Product Specifications

• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide 5).
• Axle Requirement: Swing Axle, Short Spline only.
• Track Increase: 1 inch extra width per side (2 inches total increase).
• Rotor Style: 1-Piece Minimum Offset Extra Wide Rotors.
• Stud Compatibility: Pre-threaded for 12mm and 14mm wheel studs.
• Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc (Non-Emergency Brake configuration).
• Caliper Type: Single-piston floating calipers for consistent pressure.
• Kit Includes: 2x Rotors, 2x Calipers, Brake Pads, Mounting Brackets, Gaskets, and Hardware.
• Shipping Weight: 63.35 lbs.
• Finish: Natural cast and machined surfaces.

Professional Installation Tips from Appletree Auto

Tip 1: Verify Your Spline Length Before Assembly

The most common mistake when installing rear disc kits is misidentifying the axle length. A "Short Spline" axle (1958-1967) measures approximately 2-1/4 inches from the end of the splines to the shoulder where the bearing sits. If your axle is longer (approximately 3 inches), you have a "Long Spline" axle found on 1968 models, and this kit will not seat properly. Always dry-fit the rotor onto the axle before applying grease or installing seals to ensure the splines fully engage and the rotor sits flush against the bearing spacer.

Tip 2: Upgrade Your Master Cylinder for Optimal Pressure

Moving from a drum brake system to a disc brake system changes the volume of fluid required to move the pistons. To get the best pedal feel and the most clamping force from your new EMPI calipers, we highly recommend upgrading to a larger bore master cylinder. If you are running discs on all four corners, a 20.6mm or 22mm master cylinder is often necessary to eliminate a "mushy" pedal. Also, remember that since this is a rear disc kit, you may need a residual pressure valve if your master cylinder is mounted lower than your calipers.

Tip 3: Proper Caliper Orientation and Bleeding

When mounting the calipers to the brackets, ensure that the bleeder screw is pointing toward the sky (the highest point of the caliper). If the bleeder is at the bottom, you will never be able to get the air bubbles out of the system, resulting in poor braking performance. We recommend a "gravity bleed" first to get the fluid moving, followed by a traditional two-person bleed or a pressure bleeder to ensure every last bit of air is purged from the lines. Use a high-quality DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid for the best heat resistance during aggressive driving.