EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 6-1/8" Collar, 26-9/16" Bar, 1968–1971 Type 1 & 3 (Pair) | 17-2674-0

EMPI adjustable IRS spring plates with 6-1/8" collar — for 1968–1971 VW Type 1 (Beetle) and Type 3 IRS rear suspensions using the 26-9/16" torsion bar. Replaces 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.

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 — to change ride height you have to pull the entire torsion bar apart, re-clock the splines, and reassemble. Major job, no fine-tuning.

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. Particularly valuable on late-1960s and early-1970s IRS Beetles and Type 3s where the factory dual spring plate setup is harder to find in good condition and the ride height options are limited by spline clocking.

Specifications

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

Fitment

• VW Beetle Type 1 with IRS rear suspension: 1968–1971
• VW Type 3 (Squareback, Notchback, Fastback) with IRS rear: 1969–1973 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)

Critical: match collar size and torsion bar length to your housing. This 6-1/8" / 26-9/16" combination is specific to certain late-1960s and early-1970s IRS applications. For 1972–1979 Beetles with the same 6-1/8" collar see #18-1075-0. For other collar sizes, see the corresponding EMPI part numbers. Verify by measurement before ordering.

FAQ

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.