{"product_id":"empi-adjustable-spring-plates-swing-axle-suspension-1-1-4-collar-17-2669-0","title":"EMPI Adjustable Swing Axle Spring Plates — 1-1\/4\" Collar, 21-3\/4\" Bar, 1960–1968 Beetle (Pair) | 17-2669-0","description":"\u003cp\u003eEMPI 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy swing axle owners need these\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustable 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollar size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1-1\/4 inch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTorsion bar length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21-3\/4 inch (standard swing axle)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1960–1968 Beetle swing axle and similar applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Continuous, infinite within range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 17-2669-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Beetle (Standard, swing axle): 1960–1968 (verify torsion bar and collar dimensions)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Karmann Ghia (swing axle): 1960–1968\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther swing axle VW applications using the 1-1\/4\" collar \/ 21-3\/4\" bar combination\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this fix my swing axle oversteer?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nIndirectly, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much can I lower or raise my car?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nContinuous adjustment within the mechanical range — typically 2-4\" of vertical adjustment. Combined with torsion bar re-clocking, total range is even larger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill I need an alignment after installing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Any ride-height change on a swing axle dramatically changes rear camber. Always get a fresh alignment after install or any subsequent adjustment.\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 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this work on a Bus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBus 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat if I have a \"Z-bar\" rear suspension?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMPI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44899663708275,"sku":"17-2669-0","price":169.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/17-2669-0-scaled-500x231.jpg?v=1777272095","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/empi-adjustable-spring-plates-swing-axle-suspension-1-1-4-collar-17-2669-0","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}