{"product_id":"empi-adjustable-irs-spring-plates-6-1-8-collar-1968-71-type-1-3-17-2674-0","title":"EMPI Adjustable IRS Spring Plates — 6-1\/8\" Collar, 26-9\/16\" Bar, 1968–1971 Type 1 \u0026 3 (Pair) | 17-2674-0","description":"\u003cp\u003eEMPI 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat adjustable spring plates do\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustable 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollar size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6-1\/8 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTorsion bar length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 26-9\/16 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late-1960s and early-1970s Type 1 and Type 3 IRS rear suspension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplaces:\u003c\/strong\u003e Factory dual spring plate setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17-2674-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Beetle Type 1 with IRS rear suspension: 1968–1971\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Type 3 (Squareback, Notchback, Fastback) with IRS rear: 1969–1973 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCritical: match collar size and torsion bar length to your housing.\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I confirm the right collar size and torsion bar?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nMeasure 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between this part and #18-1075-0?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBoth 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill I need an alignment after installing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy replace the dual spring plate setup?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFactory 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I install these myself?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nModerately 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much ride height adjustment do I get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nContinuous 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44899667771507,"sku":"17-2674-0","price":192.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/17-2674-0-500x376.jpg?v=1777273211","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-adjustable-irs-spring-plates-6-1-8-collar-1968-71-type-1-3-17-2674-0","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}