Wide Disc Brake Kit, 5 On 205Mm, Short Spline Forged

OVERVIEW

When you are pushing your air-cooled Volkswagen to the limit on the dunes or through technical off-road trails, the limitations of factory drum brakes become dangerously apparent. The EMPI Wide Disc Brake Kit is the definitive solution for the enthusiast who demands superior stopping power combined with enhanced vehicle stability. This kit is specifically engineered to provide a "wide track" stance, adding a full 1 inch of width to each side of your rear end. By widening the footprint of your Beetle or sand rail, you significantly improve the center of gravity and lateral stability, which is crucial when navigating high-speed turns or steep off-camber inclines. Unlike standard conversion kits, this "F" version features heavy-duty forged caliper brackets that provide unparalleled rigidity, ensuring that your braking system remains precise and responsive even under extreme heat and mechanical stress.

The engineering behind the 22-2930-F kit focuses on durability and versatility for the short-spline swing axle configuration. The rotors are a robust, one-piece cast design with a minimum offset to achieve the desired track width without compromising hub integrity. A standout feature for the custom builder is the dual-threaded rotor face, which is pre-tapped to accept both 12mm and 14mm wheel studs. This allows you to choose from a vast array of aftermarket wheels without the need for expensive adapters or machine work. As a non-ebrake kit, it is streamlined for maximum performance and weight savings, making it the ideal choice for dedicated off-road machines, Baja Bugs, and rail buggies that prioritize raw stopping power over street-legal parking brake requirements. Upgrading to this forged kit means you are investing in the safety and performance required to handle modern horsepower in a vintage chassis.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1958-1967 (Swing Axle Models)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1958-1967 (Swing Axle Models)
• Custom Sand Rails: All models utilizing 1958-1967 VW Short Spline Rear Axles
• Baja Bugs: Specifically for Short Spline Swing Axle transitions
• Note: Fits Short Spline axles only; will not fit Long Spline (1968+) or IRS applications.

SPECS

• Bolt Pattern: 5 on 205mm (Wide 5)
• Axle Requirement: Short Spline Swing Axle
• Caliper Brackets: High-Strength Forged Steel
• Track Increase: 1 inch per side (2 inches total wider track)
• Rotor Style: One-Piece Extra Wide Design
• Stud Threading: Dual-tapped for 12mm and 14mm studs
• Brake System Type: Disc Brake (Non-Emergency Brake version)
• Caliper Type: Single Piston Floating Calipers
• Kit Includes: 2 Wide Rotors, 2 Loaded Calipers, 2 Forged Brackets, Mounting Hardware, and Gaskets
• Shipping Weight: 65.7 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Master Cylinder Optimization

When converting from rear drum brakes to disc brakes, you are significantly changing the hydraulic requirements of your braking system. Disc brake calipers require a larger volume of fluid to move the pistons compared to the small wheel cylinders found in drums. We highly recommend upgrading to a 20.6mm or 22mm dual-circuit master cylinder to ensure you have a firm pedal and adequate pressure. If you continue to use a stock 17mm or 19mm master cylinder, you may find the pedal travel is too long, which can be disconcerting during emergency stops or technical maneuvers. Don''t forget to remove any residual pressure valves in the rear lines that were originally intended for drum brakes, as these can cause disc brakes to drag and overheat.

2. Seal Integrity and Bearing Pre-load

Since this kit requires the removal of the rear bearing housings to install the forged brackets, it is the perfect time to perform essential maintenance on your swing axle seals. Always use high-quality silicone or German-style "donut" gaskets between the backing plate, the bearing housing, and the axle tube. A common mistake is over-tightening the large 36mm axle nut before the vehicle is on the ground. Ensure your bearings are well-greased and that the spacer sleeve is in good condition. When final-torquing the axle nut to the required 217+ ft-lbs, ensure you use a new cotter pin. If the holes don''t align, always tighten further to the next hole rather than loosening the nut, as a loose hub will quickly destroy the splines on your expensive new rotors.

3. Wheel Stud Installation and Clearance

The rotors in this kit are dual-threaded for 12mm and 14mm studs, providing great flexibility. When installing your studs, we strongly suggest using a high-strength red thread-locking compound to ensure they stay seated permanently. Before mounting your wheels, check the clearance between the caliper and the inner barrel of your wheel. While most 15-inch "Wide 5" wheels will clear these calipers without issue, some vintage-style aluminum wheels or deeply offset steel wheels may require slight spacers or minor clearancing. Always hand-rotate the assembly before the first test drive to ensure there is no interference between the caliper body and the wheel weights or the rim itself.