Drop Spindle Disc Brake Kit, Chevy Pattern Ball Joint Silver

OVERVIEW

Transform the stance and stopping power of your air-cooled Volkswagen with the EMPI Drop Spindle Disc Brake Kit featuring Silver Wilwood Billet Calipers. This premium kit is designed for the enthusiast who refuses to compromise between style and safety. By utilizing a 2.5-inch drop spindle, you achieve that coveted "low-rider" look without sacrificing suspension travel or ride quality, as the geometry of your ball joint front end remains intact. The centerpiece of this kit is the high-performance Wilwood braking system, providing modern deceleration capabilities to a classic platform. Whether you are navigating tight city corners or cruising the open highway, the confidence provided by these vented rotors and multi-piston calipers is unmatched in the VW aftermarket world.

Engineered for versatility and durability, this kit features a dual-drilled rotor pattern to accommodate both the classic Chevy 5 on 4.75-inch bolt circle and the Porsche 5 on 130mm pattern. This allows for a massive range of custom wheel options, giving you the freedom to personalize your Beetle or Karmann Ghia exactly how you envisioned it. Every component in this package has been selected for its superior quality, from the precision-machined billet aluminum calipers to the world-renowned SKF bearings included for the hubs. The silver finish on the calipers provides a clean, high-tech aesthetic that pops behind your spokes, while the vented rotors ensure maximum heat dissipation during spirited driving. Don''t settle for aging drum brakes or inferior conversion kits when you can bolt on the gold standard of air-cooled stopping technology.

FITMENT

This kit is specifically designed for Volkswagen Type 1 models equipped with a Ball Joint front beam. Please verify your vehicle''s front suspension type before ordering.

• VW Beetle (Standard): 1966 - 1977 (Sedan and Convertible)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1966 - 1974
• VW Type 1 (Mexican): All Ball Joint Years
• Note: Does NOT fit Super Beetle (1302/1303) models with MacPherson strut suspension.
• Note: Requires the use of 15-inch or larger wheels to clear the Wilwood caliper housing.

SPECS

• Spindle Type: 2.5-Inch Drop Spindles (Ball Joint)
• Caliper Brand: Wilwood Precision Billet Aluminum
• Caliper Finish: Silver Anodized
• Rotor Style: Vented for Superior Cooling
• Bolt Pattern 1: Chevy 5 on 4.75 Inches
• Bolt Pattern 2: Porsche 5 on 130mm
• Lug Hole Thread: 14x1.5mm
• Bearings: Premium SKF Inner and Outer Bearings
• Brake Lines: Stainless Steel Braided Hoses Included
• Hardware: Mounting Brackets and High-Strength Fasteners Included
• Weight: Approximately 55 lbs (Shipping Weight)

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Wheel Offset and Clearance

When installing this drop spindle kit, it is absolutely vital to ensure your wheels are at least 15 inches in diameter. The Wilwood billet calipers have a larger profile than stock units, and smaller 14-inch or 10-inch "Sprint" style wheels will often make contact with the caliper body. Furthermore, because drop spindles can slightly shift the track width of your vehicle, you should double-check your fender-to-tire clearance, especially if you are running wider Chevy or Porsche-style wheels. If you find the tires are rubbing the fender lips, you may need to look into a narrowed front beam to tuck the wheels back under the bodywork.

2. Proper Bearing Packing and Seal Installation

The included SKF bearings are the best in the business, but they are only as good as the grease you put in them. Never skimp on grease; use a high-temperature, high-pressure disc brake wheel bearing grease. We recommend using a bearing packer tool to ensure the grease is forced all the way into the cage and rollers. When installing the inner grease seal, ensure it is seated perfectly flush. A crooked seal can lead to grease leaking onto your new vented rotors, which will drastically reduce your braking efficiency and potentially contaminate your brake pads beyond repair.

3. Mandatory Post-Installation Alignment

Any time you replace spindles or alter the ride height of a Volkswagen, your steering geometry changes. Even though drop spindles are designed to maintain factory-like geometry, the subtle differences in manufacturing and the lower center of gravity will affect your toe-in and camber settings. After you have finished the installation and bled the brake system, take your car to a professional alignment shop. Incorrect toe-in will not only lead to "darty" steering and a wandering sensation on the road, but it will also scrub the tread off your expensive new tires in just a few hundred miles. Don''t skip this final step to ensure your VW handles as well as it looks.