EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 1-1/4" Collar, Off-Road, Pair | VW IRS 21-3/4" Bar (17-2672-0)

EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 1-1/4" Collar, Off-Road (Pair)

EMPI adjustable IRS spring plates with a 1-1/4" collar — engineered for off-road and high-performance VW IRS rear suspension using the standard 21-3/4" torsion bar. They allow full, infinite rear ride-height adjustment without disassembling the torsion housing. Sold as a pair. EMPI part #17-2672-0.

The spring plates are the lever arms that connect the IRS torsion bars to the rear trailing arms. On a factory VW, ride height is fixed by how the splined torsion bar engages the plate. These precision-machined plates add a built-in adjuster: loosen it, change the angle, retighten — and rear ride height moves in continuous, fine increments.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Type 1, IRS): 1968–1979
• Off-road builds: Baja Bug, sand rail, dune buggy with IRS rear (all years)

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI replaces the fixed factory plate with a precision-machined adjuster, giving off-road and performance IRS builders continuous, infinite ride-height control instead of discrete spline positions.

Key Features & Benefits

• Infinite adjustment: Continuous ride-height change without pulling the torsion bar
• Off-road tuned: Designed for the travel demands of Baja and sand rail builds
• Precision-machined: Built-in adjuster for repeatable stance changes
• Matched pair: Left and right supplied together

Technical Specifications

• Collar size: 1-1/4 inch
• Torsion bar length: 21-3/4 inch (standard IRS)
• Application: Off-road / high-performance IRS suspension
• Adjustment: Continuous, infinite within adjustment range
• Sold as: Pair
• Part number: 17-2672-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know what collar size I have? Measure the diameter of the collar at the outboard end of the torsion housing — where the spring plate bolts up. Common sizes are 1-1/4", 4-1/4", and 6-1/8". Match to your specific application before ordering.
• Will I need an alignment after installing? Yes, absolutely. Changing rear ride height changes rear camber and toe. After any adjustment, get the car aligned — without it, you'll see rapid tire wear and unpredictable handling.
• Can I install these myself? Possible but moderately involved. The torsion housing has to be opened, the existing spring plates removed, the new plates installed, the torsion bars re-clocked to the new plate engagement, and everything reassembled. Plan on 2-4 hours for someone familiar with VW rear suspension. If you've never been in the rear suspension before, a shop install is reasonable.
• How much adjustment range do they provide? Continuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically enough to cover 2-4" of ride height variation. Combined with appropriate torsion bar clocking, total adjustment range is even larger.
• Are these street legal? Yes, fully street legal in standard installation. Some extreme adjustment positions may put alignment outside factory spec — keep alignment within reasonable bounds for street use.
• What's the difference between off-road and street versions? Different versions have different geometry and adjustment ranges tuned for the intended application. The 17-2672-0 off-road version is designed for the suspension travel demands of Baja, sand rail, and similar builds.

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