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

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

What adjustable spring plates do

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 spring plate — change ride height and you have to pull the entire torsion bar apart, re-clock the splines, and reassemble. That's a major job, and you can't fine-tune; you're stuck with whatever splined position is closest to your target height.

Adjustable spring plates replace the fixed factory plates with a precision-machined plate that has a built-in adjuster. Loosen the adjuster, change the angle, retighten — your rear ride height moves in continuous, fine increments. For off-road builders dialing in the right suspension stance, performance builders setting up corner weights, or anyone wanting to swap between show-low and drive-friendly ride heights, adjustable plates are the right tool.

Specifications

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

Fitment

• VW IRS rear suspension applications using the 21-3/4" torsion bar with 1-1/4" collar
• Off-road builds: Baja Bug, sand rail, dune buggy with IRS rear
• Performance VW builds requiring infinite ride-height adjustment

Critical: match collar size to your torsion housing. VW used multiple collar sizes across years and applications. This 1-1/4" version is for specific IRS applications — verify your collar diameter before ordering. For 4-1/4" collar applications see #17-2673-0; for 6-1/8" collar (Type 1 IRS 1968-71) see #17-2674-0; for 6-1/8" collar (late Beetle 1972-79) see #18-1075-0.

FAQ

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.