EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 6-1/8" Collar, Pair | VW Type 1 & 3 IRS 1968–1971 (17-2674-0)

EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 6-1/8" Collar (Pair)

EMPI adjustable IRS spring plates with a 6-1/8" collar — for 1968–1971 VW Type 1 (Beetle) and Type 3 IRS rear suspensions using the 26-9/16" torsion bar. They replace the factory dual spring plate assembly with a single-piece precision adjuster that allows infinite rear ride-height adjustment. Sold as a pair. EMPI part #17-2674-0.

The spring plates are the lever arms that connect the IRS torsion bars to the rear trailing arms. Where the factory setup is fixed by spline clocking, these precision-machined plates add a built-in adjuster: loosen it, change the angle, retighten — rear ride height moves in continuous, fine increments.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Type 1, IRS): 1968–1971
• Karmann Ghia: 1968–1971
• VW Type 3 (IRS): 1968–1971 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)

Why Choose EMPI?

EMPI replaces the harder-to-find factory dual spring plate with a single-piece precision adjuster, giving late-1960s IRS Beetles and Type 3s continuous ride-height control and greater durability under performance use.

Key Features & Benefits

• Single-piece adjuster: Replaces the factory dual spring plate setup
• Infinite adjustment: Continuous rear ride-height change without spline clocking
• Durable: Resists the play that develops in worn dual-plate setups
• Matched pair: Left and right supplied together

Technical Specifications

• Collar size: 6-1/8 inch
• Torsion bar length: 26-9/16 inch
• Application: Late-1960s / early-1970s Type 1 and Type 3 IRS
• Replaces: Factory dual spring plate setup
• Sold as: Pair
• Part number: 17-2674-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I confirm the right collar size and torsion bar? Measure the diameter of the collar at the outboard end of your torsion housing, and the length of the torsion bar itself. The 6-1/8" collar with 26-9/16" bar is the specific spec for 1968–1971 Type 1 and certain Type 3 applications. Get it wrong and the plates won't bolt up.
• What's the difference between this part and #18-1075-0? Both use the 6-1/8" collar with the 26-9/16" torsion bar, but they're geometrically tuned for different application years. #17-2674-0 is for 1968–1971 Type 1 and Type 3. #18-1075-0 is for 1972–1979 Beetles. Match to your specific year.
• Will I need an alignment after installing? Yes. Any change in rear ride height changes rear camber and toe. After any adjustment, get the car aligned to factory spec or to your build's chosen alignment.
• Why replace the dual spring plate setup? Factory dual spring plates work but are limited in ride-height options — you can only set them at discrete spline positions. The single-piece adjustable plate gives you continuous adjustment. It's also more durable in performance applications, where the factory dual setup can develop play between the two plates.
• Can I install these myself? Moderately involved. Torsion housing has to be opened, plates swapped, torsion bars re-engaged, everything reassembled and aligned. Plan 2-4 hours for someone familiar with VW rear suspension.
• How much ride height adjustment do I get? Continuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically 2-4" of vertical adjustment depending on starting position and how the rest of the rear suspension is set up.

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