Disc Brake Kit, 5 On 4-3/4 Chevy, Ball Joint 66-74

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your air-cooled classic with the ultimate combination of modern stopping power and custom wheel versatility. This EMPI Front Disc Brake Kit is specifically engineered for 1966 through 1974 Volkswagen Beetles and Karmann Ghias equipped with a ball joint front beam. By ditching the outdated, fade-prone drum brakes, you are not just improving your vehicle''s safety; you are drastically enhancing the driving experience. This kit provides the firm, consistent pedal feel that only high-quality disc brakes can offer, ensuring that your vintage VW can handle modern traffic conditions with confidence. Whether you are navigating steep descents or stop-and-go city streets, the heat dissipation and reliability of this system represent a massive leap forward in performance engineering.

What sets this particular kit apart is the specialized 5 on 4-3/4 inch Chevy bolt pattern. This opens up a world of possibilities for owners who want to run classic American muscle wheels, such as Corvette or Camaro styles, without the need for sketchy adapters or expensive custom machine work. The kit is a comprehensive bolt-on solution that includes heavy-duty spindles, high-friction calipers, and precision-cast rotors. Because it utilizes standard ball joint geometry, it maintains your factory suspension travel and steering feel while providing the stopping force required for high-performance engines. This is the professional''s choice for builders who demand "no-compromise" quality and want their Bug to stop as fast as it looks.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 (Ball Joint Front Ends Only).
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974.
• Chassis Requirement: Fits standard ball joint front beams; does not fit Super Beetle (1302/1303) strut front ends.
• Wheel Requirement: Must be used with 15-inch diameter wheels or larger to clear the caliper housing.

SPECS

• Product Brand: EMPI.
• Part Number: 22-2981-0.
• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 4-3/4 (Chevy/GM Small Bolt Pattern).
• Beam Type: Ball Joint.
• Components Included: 2 Dual-Piston Calipers, 2 Disc Brake Rotors, 2 Spindles, 2 Backing Plates, and high-quality mounting hardware.
• Rotor Material: High-grade cast iron for maximum heat resistance and longevity.
• Spindle Design: Forged steel construction for superior structural integrity.
• Finish: Natural cast and zinc-plated components for corrosion resistance.
• Total Shipping Weight: Approximately 57.8 lbs.

PRO TIPS

PRO TIP 1: Don''t Forget the Bearings! This kit is designed to use specific internal components regardless of your car''s actual production year. You MUST purchase wheel bearings and grease seals for a 1966 to 1968 Type 1 Beetle to complete the installation. Using bearings from a later year will result in improper fitment on the spindle and potential failure. Always use high-temperature disc brake wheel bearing grease to ensure your hubs stay cool and lubricated under heavy braking loads.

PRO TIP 2: Upgrade Your Master Cylinder. When switching from drums to discs, your factory drum-style master cylinder may not move enough fluid volume to properly actuate the new calipers. For the best performance and a firm pedal, we highly recommend upgrading to a dual-circuit disc brake master cylinder. This ensures you have the correct bore size and pressure ratio to maximize the clamping force of your new EMPI calipers while maintaining a secondary safety circuit for your rear brakes.

PRO TIP 3: Verify Wheel Clearance. While the 5 on 4-3/4 pattern allows for many Chevy-style wheels, you must ensure you have at least a 15-inch diameter wheel for proper caliper clearance. Additionally, pay close attention to the wheel offset and backspacing. Since the disc brake conversion can slightly track out your front wheels compared to stock drums, check for fender lip clearance, especially if your VW is lowered. Using a thin coating of anti-seize on the spindle snouts during assembly will also make future maintenance much easier.