Changing from long to short IRS torsion bars in rear?

Southernbug · Post by **Southernbug** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 4:08 am

Im restoring a 74 standard beetle for the occasional autocross & vintage rallye. My year comes stock with 26 9/16" rear torsion bars for my IRS.

My plan for the rear is to install:

1. Higher spring rate Sway-A-Way torsion bars
2. Swa-A-Way adjustable spring plates
3. Solid spring plate retainers. (Brass bushings supporting the torsion bars)

QUESTION: Is it possible to change from the 26 9/16" rear torsion bars length to the 21 3/4" Bars? I'd prefer to use the shorter length if there are no major issues with this kind of swap.

Thanks!
Shane

Post by **Marc** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 5:40 am

Sway-a-Way P/N 4201 (non-adjustable spring plates) is listed for use on IRS with 21-3/4" bars. I don't see any adjustable units listed for short bars, though - why don't you ask them?
http://www.swayaway.com/contact%20us.htm

Personally I wouldn't go any more "solid" on the bushings than urethane.

Post by **2088 bob** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:39 am

i would tend to agree with marc's answer i run this setup in my street rail works very well you realize going to the to the shorter torsion bars will raise your spring rate somewhat it works good for me because i am carrying the additional weight of the rabbit motor

dd-ardvark · Post by **dd-ardvark** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 6:59 am

QUESTION: Is it possible to change from the 26 9/16" rear torsion bars length to the 21 3/4" Bars? I'd prefer to use the shorter length if there are no major issues with this kind of swap.

The answer is YES..., that being said, the only reason the VW went to longer torsion bar was from a comfort point of view. A longer bar recovers more gracefully from torsional twist. Another way of putting it..., more of a Katolak ride than a lowered ricer.

When buying the spring plates, just get spring plates for a pre 67. You will have to cut the length down to that of the IRS spring plate, and drill it for the bolt pattern. Here's the link to:
http://www.blindchickenracing.com/How_t ... ersion.htm

As far as adjustable spring plates..., get the Sway-a-Way weld in Rear Torsion Adjusters. Keeping your unsprung weight down is a big plus in a VW. In addition to keep your rotational weight down, bare this in mind when getting your wheels, brakes and tires.