{"product_id":"empi-adjustable-spring-plates-swing-axle-suspension-1-1-4-collar-17-2669-0","title":"EMPI Adjustable Swing Axle Spring Plates | VW Beetle \u0026 Ghia 1960–1968 | 1-1\/4\" Collar Pair (17-2669-0)","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eEMPI Adjustable Swing Axle Spring Plates — 1-1\/4\" Collar, 21-3\/4\" Torsion Bar, Pair (17-2669-0)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEMPI \u003cb\u003eadjustable spring plates\u003c\/b\u003e for swing axle VW rear suspension — \u003cb\u003e1-1\/4\" collar, 21-3\/4\" torsion bar\u003c\/b\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Beetle (Standard, swing axle):\u003c\/b\u003e 1960–1968 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eVW Karmann Ghia (swing axle):\u003c\/b\u003e 1960–1968\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eOther swing axle VW applications:\u003c\/b\u003e Using the 1-1\/4\" collar \/ 21-3\/4\" bar combination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWill NOT fit:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Choose EMPI?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eContinuous Adjustment:\u003c\/b\u003e Infinite ride-height adjustment within range, unlike discrete factory spline settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCorrect Camber:\u003c\/b\u003e Dial in proper rear camber to reduce tire wear and improve handling predictability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePrecision-Machined:\u003c\/b\u003e Replaces fixed factory plates with adjustable units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eComplete Pair:\u003c\/b\u003e Sold as a left-and-right set.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCollar Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 1-1\/4 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTorsion Bar Length:\u003c\/b\u003e 21-3\/4 inch (standard swing axle)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eApplication:\u003c\/b\u003e 1960–1968 Beetle swing axle and similar applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSold As:\u003c\/b\u003e Pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eAdjustment:\u003c\/b\u003e Continuous, infinite within range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/b\u003e 17-2669-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill this fix my swing axle oversteer?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eHow much can I lower or raise my car?\u003c\/b\u003e Continuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically 2-4\" of vertical adjustment. Combined with torsion bar re-clocking, total range is even larger.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill I need an alignment after installing?\u003c\/b\u003e Yes. Any ride-height change on a swing axle dramatically changes rear camber. Always get a fresh alignment after install or any subsequent adjustment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCan I install these myself?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWill this work on a Bus?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWhat if I have a \"Z-bar\" rear suspension?\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eExplore Related Categories\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore for your chassis: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/suspension\"\u003eSuspension\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vw-beetle\"\u003eVW Beetle\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/all-vw-aircooled\"\u003eAll VW Air-Cooled\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44899663708275,"sku":"17-2669-0","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/17-2669-0-scaled-500x231.jpg?v=1777272095","url":"https:\/\/www.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-adjustable-spring-plates-swing-axle-suspension-1-1-4-collar-17-2669-0","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}