EMPI Adjustable Swing Axle Spring Plates — 1-1/4" Collar, 21-3/4" Bar, 1960–1968 Beetle (Pair) | 17-2669-0

EMPI adjustable spring plates for swing axle VW rear suspension — 1-1/4" collar, 21-3/4" torsion bar. The definitive ride-height adjustment solution for early swing axle Beetles, Karmann Ghias, and Type 3s. Replaces 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. EMPI part #17-2669-0.

Why swing axle owners need these

The swing axle rear suspension on 1968 and earlier VWs is famously sensitive to ride height — get the height wrong and the rear wheels develop excessive positive camber (visible from outside the car), tire wear becomes severe, and the swing axle's tendency toward oversteer becomes a real handling issue. Yet the factory ride-height adjustment is limited to discrete spline positions on the torsion bar, which means you can't fine-tune to the right setting.

Adjustable spring plates fix that. Loosen the adjuster, fine-tune ride height to exactly the right point, retighten. The result is a swing axle suspension that sits at proper camber for the way the car actually drives — whether that's stock-height comfort, slight drop for stance, or specific autocross/track height for handling.

Specifications

• Collar size: 1-1/4 inch
• Torsion bar length: 21-3/4 inch (standard swing axle)
• Application: 1960–1968 Beetle swing axle and similar applications
• Sold as: Pair
• Adjustment: Continuous, infinite within range
• Part number: 17-2669-0

Fitment

• VW Beetle (Standard, swing axle): 1960–1968 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)
• VW Karmann Ghia (swing axle): 1960–1968
• Other swing axle VW applications using the 1-1/4" collar / 21-3/4" bar combination

Will NOT fit: 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.

FAQ

Will this fix my swing axle oversteer?
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.

How much can I lower or raise my car?
Continuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically 2-4" of vertical adjustment. Combined with torsion bar re-clocking, total range is even larger.

Will I need an alignment after installing?
Yes. Any ride-height change on a swing axle dramatically changes rear camber. Always get a fresh alignment after install or any subsequent adjustment.

Can I install these myself?
Moderately involved. 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.

Will this work on a Bus?
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.

What if I have a "Z-bar" rear suspension?
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.