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Air Cooled Type 1 VW Rear Suspension Types (US Models) : Tech Article

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439 views2 pages

Air Cooled Type 1 VW Rear Suspension Types (US Models) : Tech Article

Uploaded by

Mark Hogeback
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Tech Article

Air Cooled Type 1 VW Rear Suspension Types (US Models)


THERE ARE TWO BASIC TYPES OF VINTAGE AIR COOLED VW TYPE 1 REAR SUSPENSIONS
1. Swing Axle....................................... 1946-1968
2. IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)....... 1969-1979 (1968 auto stick used IRS)
a. Twin spring plate type.................... 1969-1972
b. Single spring plate type.................. 1973-1979

SWING AXLE REAR SUSPENSION (SA)


VIEW A: 1946-1959 - Swing axle suspension with 24-11/16” length torsion bars.
*Torsion bar extends 3” on each side
VIEW B: 1960-1968 - Swing axle suspension with 21-3/4” length torsion bars.
*Torsion bar is not visible

3” FLUSH

VIEW A VIEW B

VIEW A VIEW B
1946-1959 1960-1968
Swing Axle Swing Axle
Extends 3” on both sides Flush on both sides

MAMotorworks
2900 North Third Street, P.O. Box 1368, Effingham, IL 62401
Midamotorworks 800.500.1500 • Worldwide: 217.540.4200 • FAX: 217.540.4800
www.mamotorworks.com • generalmail@mamotorworks.com
MidAmericaMotorworks ©Mid America Motorworks, Inc. All rights reserved.
Tech Article
Page 2

IRS REAR SUSPENSION (INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION)


Starting in 1969* all models used the IRS suspension. IRS Spring Plates have a variation in that 1969-1972 used twin
plates and the 1973-1979 used single plates. (*1968 Beetles equipped with the new Auto Stick used 1969 style IRS
suspension)
VIEW A: 1969-1972 - IRS Twin Spring Plates
VIEW B: 1973-1979 - IRS Single Spring Plates
*1969-1979: 26- 9/16” Torsion Bars (Torsion bar extends out about 5.5” on each side)

5.5” 5.5”

VIEW A VIEW B

VIEW A VIEW B
1969-1972 IRS 1973-1979 IRS
Twin Spring Plate Single Spring Plate
Extends 5.5” on both sides Extends 5.5” on both sides

FAQ: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES OF SWING AXLES VERSUS IRS INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION?
The difference between a swing axle suspension and the IRS Suspension is that swing axle suspensions use the axle as a
suspension component whereas IRS use the combination of the spring plate and control arm as the pivoting suspension
components and the only function of the axle is to deliver power.

NOTES
Thing Type 18 were all IRS and used 24-11/16” length torsion bars.
Type 3 used 24-11/16” length torsion bars up to 1968.

Toll Free: 800.500.1500 • Worldwide: 217.540.4200 • www.mamotorworks.com • generalmail@mamotorworks.com

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