VW Ball Joint 2.5" Drop Spindle Front Disc Brake Kit — 5-Lug Double Drilled 5x130 & 5x205 | (22-2926-0)

Complete front disc brake conversion kit with forged drop spindles for VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia ball joint front suspension. Drops front ride height by 2.5" and upgrades to 5-lug double-drilled disc brake rotors in both Porsche-pattern 5x130mm and Wide-5 5x205mm bolt patterns simultaneously. EMPI part #22-2926-0.

Two upgrades in one kit

This kit accomplishes two major front-end upgrades at once:

1. 2.5" front drop via the forged drop spindle geometry, lowering the front of the car without modifying the front beam or torsion leaves
2. 5-lug double-drilled disc brakes, replacing the stock 4-lug drum brakes with much more capable disc brakes — and giving you wheel compatibility with both the Porsche 5-lug pattern (5x130mm) and the classic VW Wide-5 pattern (5x205mm)

The forged spindles are significantly stronger than stamped or cast equivalents, which is the right choice for a part that carries the full weight and braking load of the front end. The double-drilling lets you run period-correct Wide-5 steel wheels or modern Porsche-pattern wheels (BRM, Fuchs-style, etc.) without changing rotors.

Specifications

• Drop: 2.5 inches front ride height reduction
• Spindle: Forged steel drop spindle
• Brake type: Disc brake conversion (front)
• Bolt patterns: Double-drilled — 5x130mm (Porsche) and 5x205mm (Wide-5 VW)
• Lug count: 5-lug
• Front end type: Ball joint
• Part number: 22-2926-0

Fitment

• VW Beetle Type 1 (ball joint front): 1966–1977
• VW Karmann Ghia (ball joint front): 1966 (per part documentation)

Verify your specific car carefully. This kit requires the ball joint front beam. Will NOT fit link pin front ends (1965 and earlier) or Super Beetle (MacPherson strut). Year-by-year fitment can vary based on small VW production changes — confirm your specific car's compatibility with us before ordering on this high-value kit.

FAQ

Will this fit my 1973 Super Beetle?
No. Super Beetles use MacPherson strut front suspension, not the torsion beam with trailing arms found on Standard Beetles. Super Beetle disc brake conversions use entirely different components.

Can I run my existing 4-lug VW wheels?
No. This kit converts to a 5-lug pattern. You'll need new wheels in either the Porsche 5x130mm pattern (Fuchs, BRM, modern aftermarket) or the classic VW Wide-5 5x205mm pattern.

Why is the drop 2.5" specifically?
That's the geometry of the drop spindle — the steering arm and stub axle are offset from the spindle body by 2.5" compared to stock. The result is a uniform 2.5" drop without modifying any other front-end components.

Can I combine this with a beam adjuster for even more drop?
Yes — many builders combine drop spindles with adjustable beams and modified torsion leaves for total front drops of 4–5" or more. With drop spindles alone, the 2.5" drop preserves stock alignment geometry; with additional beam-based drop, alignment changes become more significant and may require more careful setup.

Is the master cylinder upgrade included?
This kit covers the front spindle, hub, and rotor assembly. Depending on your current setup, you may need an upgraded master cylinder, brake lines, and proportioning to safely run discs up front. Drum-to-disc conversion typically requires master cylinder evaluation — contact us if you have questions about the complete brake system.

Is the install difficult?
It's a moderately involved job — front spindle/hub assemblies must be unbolted from the trailing arms and replaced. Most experienced VW DIYers can do it in a weekend. If you've never been into a front end before, a shop install is reasonable.

Will I need a front-end alignment after install?
Yes, absolutely. Any change to spindle geometry or ride height requires a fresh alignment. Don't drive the car more than necessary to get it to the alignment shop.