Disc Brake Kit, 5 on 4.5 Ford, Chevy 4.75, For King Pin

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your classic Volkswagen''s stopping power while opening up a world of wheel possibilities with the IAP King Pin Disc Brake Kit. For decades, VW enthusiasts were limited by the standard wide-five or four-lug patterns, often requiring expensive adapters or custom machining to run iconic American muscle or off-road wheels. This premium conversion kit solves that problem by providing a dual-drilled rotor pattern that accepts both 5 on 4.5-inch Ford and 5 on 4.75-inch Chevy bolt patterns. Whether you are aiming for a classic Pro-Street look with Cragar wheels or a rugged Baja style with modern alloys, this kit provides the structural foundation and braking performance necessary for high-speed safety and reliable street performance. By replacing your outdated, fade-prone front drum brakes with modern discs, you significantly reduce stopping distances and virtually eliminate the "pulling" sensation often associated with aging King Pin drum setups.

This kit is specifically engineered for the King Pin and Link Pin front ends, bolting directly to your factory stock spindles for a streamlined installation process. It is important to note that this high-performance upgrade is designed for the serious builder; the rotors come drilled and tapped for 14mm screw-in wheel studs, ensuring a secure and hub-centric fitment for your chosen wheels. Because this kit utilizes heavy-duty calipers and large-diameter rotors, it does require the use of 15-inch wheels or larger to provide adequate internal clearance. Furthermore, this conversion will slightly increase the track offset of your vehicle, giving it a more aggressive stance while providing the clearance needed for the caliper brackets. Please be aware that this kit is not compatible with dropped spindles or original backing plates, as it is designed to maximize cooling and efficiency by operating as a dedicated disc brake system.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1946 through 1965 (King Pin/Link Pin Front Ends)
• Volkswagen Type 1 Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1965 (King Pin/Link Pin Front Ends)
• Custom Applications: Any sand rail, buggy, or trike utilizing a stock-style VW King Pin front beam and stock spindles.

SPECS

• Product Part Number: AC498004
• Rotor Bolt Patterns: Dual Drilled (5x4.5 Ford and 5x4.75 Chevy)
• Spindle Compatibility: Stock King Pin / Link Pin Spindles ONLY
• Stud Size: 14mm Drilled and Tapped for screw-in studs
• Minimum Wheel Size: 15-Inch Diameter
• Included Components: Rotors, Calipers, Caliper Mounting Brackets, and Bearings
• Installation Hardware: Designed to reuse stock backing plate bolts for bracket mounting
• Material: High-tensile cast iron rotors and steel mounting brackets
• Note: Not compatible with dropped spindles or drum-style backing plates

PRO TIPS

1. Precision Bearing Installation is Mandatory

One of the most critical steps in installing this kit is the seating of the inner and outer bearing races. These bearings must be installed using a professional-grade bearing press. Never attempt to "hammer" the races into the rotor, as the localized impact can cause micro-fractures in the cast iron hub or lead to uneven seating. Improper installation is the leading cause of rotor failure and premature bearing wear. If you do not have access to a hydraulic press, it is highly recommended to take the rotors to a professional machine shop to have the races installed correctly to ensure the longevity of your investment.

2. Account for Increased Track Width

When switching from drums to this disc brake kit, your front track width will increase slightly due to the thickness of the rotor hat and the caliper bracket positioning. If you are running a narrowed beam or very wide tires with a deep offset, you must check for fender clearance at full lock and under suspension compression. Because this kit requires 15-inch wheels, make sure to test fit your wheels over the calipers before mounting tires to ensure there is no interference between the caliper body and the wheel weights or the inner barrel of the rim.

3. Master Cylinder and Line Pressure Optimization

While this kit provides the hardware at the wheels, you should evaluate your entire hydraulic system for the best results. Disc brakes operate at different pressures and require more fluid volume than drum brakes. If you are still running a single-circuit master cylinder, we strongly recommend upgrading to a dual-circuit master cylinder for safety. Additionally, ensure your rubber brake lines are in excellent condition or upgrade to stainless steel braided lines to prevent line expansion, which can lead to a "spongy" pedal feel. Always use high-quality DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid and perform a full system bleed starting from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder.