EMPI Adjustable Swing Axle Spring Plates | VW Beetle & Ghia 1960–1968 | 1-1/4" Collar Pair (17-2669-0)

EMPI Adjustable Swing Axle Spring Plates — 1-1/4" Collar, 21-3/4" Torsion Bar, Pair (17-2669-0)

EMPI adjustable spring plates for swing axle VW rear suspension — 1-1/4" collar, 21-3/4" torsion bar. The definitive ride-height adjustment solution for early swing axle Beetles and Karmann Ghias. They replace fixed factory spring plates with precision-machined adjustable units that allow continuous, fine-tuned rear ride-height changes without disassembling the torsion housing. Sold as a pair.

The swing axle rear suspension on 1968-and-earlier VWs is famously sensitive to ride height: get it wrong and the rear wheels develop excessive positive camber, tire wear becomes severe, and oversteer becomes a real handling issue. Factory adjustment is limited to discrete spline positions, so you can't fine-tune. Adjustable plates fix that — loosen the adjuster, set ride height exactly, retighten.

Vehicle Fitment

• VW Beetle (Standard, swing axle): 1960–1968 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)
• VW Karmann Ghia (swing axle): 1960–1968
• Other swing axle VW applications: Using the 1-1/4" collar / 21-3/4" bar combination

Will NOT fit: IRS rear suspensions (different geometry entirely). Other swing axle collar sizes — for 4-1/4" collar see #17-2670-0, for 6-1/8" collar see #17-2671-0. Verify dimensions before ordering.

Why Choose EMPI?

These precision-machined plates let you set proper rear camber for the way the car actually drives — stock-height comfort, a slight drop for stance, or a specific autocross/track height.

Key Features & Benefits

• Continuous Adjustment: Infinite ride-height adjustment within range, unlike discrete factory spline settings.
• Correct Camber: Dial in proper rear camber to reduce tire wear and improve handling predictability.
• Precision-Machined: Replaces fixed factory plates with adjustable units.
• Complete Pair: Sold as a left-and-right set.

Technical Specifications

• Collar Size: 1-1/4 inch
• Torsion Bar Length: 21-3/4 inch (standard swing axle)
• Application: 1960–1968 Beetle swing axle and similar applications
• Sold As: Pair
• Adjustment: Continuous, infinite within range
• Part Number: 17-2669-0

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will this fix my swing axle oversteer? Indirectly, yes. Proper ride height with correct rear camber dramatically improves swing axle handling predictability. The plates won't change the fundamental swing axle geometry, but getting camber right (which requires being able to fine-tune ride height) is the single biggest improvement you can make.
• How much can I lower or raise my car? Continuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically 2-4" of vertical adjustment. Combined with torsion bar re-clocking, total range is even larger.
• Will I need an alignment after installing? Yes. Any ride-height change on a swing axle dramatically changes rear camber. Always get a fresh alignment after install or any subsequent adjustment.
• Can I install these myself? Moderately involved. The torsion housing has to be opened, plates swapped, torsion bars re-engaged at appropriate splines, everything reassembled. Plan 2-4 hours for someone familiar with VW rear suspension. The torsion bars are under high preload — release them carefully.
• Will this work on a Bus? Bus swing axle rear suspensions use different geometry than Beetle. Verify your specific Bus's torsion bar and collar dimensions before ordering. For Bus-specific applications, contact us.
• What if I have a "Z-bar" rear suspension? The Z-bar (rear sway bar / camber compensator) is a separate component that mounts to the spring plates. The adjustable plates accept the Z-bar mounting — you can keep your Z-bar in place during the adjustable plate install.

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