Sway-A-Way VW IRS Axle Set — 33-Spline, 15 5/8″ (SAW-2015)

Factory VW axles were built for a 40-horse engine and a stock track width. Put a built motor behind them, or push the suspension past stock travel, and the CV cage is what breaks — because the joint has nowhere to slide when the distance between the transaxle and the hub changes. These Sway-A-Way IRS axles fix that at the root: the extended spline has no inboard shoulder, so the CV floats along the shaft instead of binding against it.

Quick Fit Guide

This is the 15 5/8″ (396.9 mm) axle — the shortest in the Sway-A-Way VW IRS range. Typical setup: a bus (Type 2) transmission with stock VW Bug IRS trailing arms. Axle length is the whole decision here, so measure before you order.

Vehicle Fitment

Confirmed fitment:

• VW Beetle (IRS): 1968–1979
• VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979
• VW Type 2 / Type 3 (IRS): where a 33-spline CV is used
• Buggy IRS builds: all years

Not this part: swing-axle cars (1967 and earlier Beetle) — those take the 22xx swing axle range, not an IRS axle.

Which Length Do I Need?

Measure your existing axle overall, tip to tip, including both splined ends. Then match it here:

Key Features & Benefits

• Extended floating spline: no inboard shoulder, so the CV slides freely as track width changes through the suspension's travel. This is what stops cage breakage.
• Solid high-strength alloy steel: built for the torque of a high-horsepower air-cooled engine, not a 1960s 1200.
• Through-hardened: surface hardness for wear, core flexibility so the shaft twists under shock instead of snapping.
• Centerless ground: consistent diameter with no stress risers along the shaft.
• Sized to twist: the centre section is deliberately dimensioned to wind up like a torsion bar under heavy load, absorbing shock that would otherwise land in the gearbox.
• Powder coated: industrial-grade finish for corrosion resistance.

Technical Specifications

• Application: high-performance IRS rear axle set
• Overall Length: 15 5/8″ (396.9 mm) — shortest in the Sway-A-Way VW IRS range
• Clip-to-Clip Length: 15 1/4″ (387.4 mm) — 3/8″ less than overall
• Spline: 33-tooth, 45° pressure angle (1.062″ / 27.0 mm OD, 2 3/8″ / 60.3 mm spline length)
• CV Compatibility: standard 33-spline CV joints — typically Type 1 or Type 2 / 002 styles depending on hub setup
• Material: solid high-strength alloy steel
• Finish: industrial-grade powder coating
• Sold As: one pair, with Spirol Lock circlips
• Manufacturer Part Number: 2015 (SKU SAW-2015)
• Warranty: 1-year warranty
• Origin: Made in USA

What's in the Box

• (2) VW IRS axles, 15 5/8″
• Spirol Lock circlips to retain the CV joints

You May Also Need

• SAW-2410 circlips: spares, sold individually. Never reuse an old clip — they take a permanent set and lose spring-back.
• High-quality CV boots: silicone or heavy-duty rubber. Because the joint floats, the boot flexes more than on a stock setup.

Installation

• CV joint float: run flexible, high-quality boots. The joint travels further along the shaft than a stock axle allows, and a stiff boot will tear.
• Snap ring usage: fit the correct snap rings to retain the CV on the shaft. The joint floats, but it must stay within the working length of the spline — floating is not the same as unretained.
• Grease: use high-moly CV grease. The extra movement along the spline needs consistent lubrication or the spline will wear.
• Measure before you order: overall, tip to tip, including both splined ends. Clip-to-clip runs 3/8″ shorter — make sure you know which number you are comparing.
• Replace clips on reassembly: always fit new circlips when servicing or replacing CV joints. A fatigued clip is how a CV walks off a shaft.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the axle length? Overall 15 5/8″ (396.9 mm); clip-to-clip 15 1/4″ (387.4 mm).
• How do I measure my old axle to compare? End to end, tip to tip, including both splined ends. That is the "overall" figure quoted here.
• Why does the CV joint float on these axles? The extended spline removes the inboard shoulder, so the joint slides freely as the distance between transaxle and hub changes through suspension travel. A fixed joint binds at full compression or full droop and shatters the cage — that is the failure these are designed to eliminate.
• What CV joints do these work with? Standard 33-spline CV joints, typically Type 1 or Type 2 / 002 styles.
• Are these sold as a pair? Yes — a pair of axles plus Spirol Lock circlips.
• Will these fit my swing-axle Bug? No. Swing-axle cars take the 22xx swing axle range.

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Axles VW Beetle VW Super Beetle