Irs Pivot Pockets, for Stock VW Torsion, Pair

OVERVIEW

Transforming your vintage Volkswagen''s handling and suspension capabilities starts with a solid foundation, and these EMPI IRS Pivot Pockets are the essential link for any Independent Rear Suspension conversion. Originally, many early air-cooled Volkswagens were equipped with a swing axle setup which, while iconic, often suffers from significant camber change and limited wheel travel during spirited driving or off-road excursions. By utilizing these heavy-duty, weld-on pivot pockets, you can convert your stock swing axle torsion housing to a modern IRS configuration. This upgrade allows for the installation of trailing arms, providing a much more stable footprint, improved cornering geometry, and the ability to soak up rough terrain with significantly increased suspension travel. Whether you are building a high-performance street sleeper or a rugged off-road Baja Bug, these pockets are the industry standard for ensuring your rear suspension geometry is locked in and ready for abuse.

Engineered for precision and durability, these pivot pockets are stamped from high-quality, heavy-gauge steel to withstand the stresses of both daily driving and extreme off-road environments. The design is specifically tailored to wrap around the stock VW torsion housing, providing a clean and secure mating surface for welding. Because suspension alignment is critical to tire wear and vehicle safety, EMPI has ensured that these pockets provide the correct offset and positioning to match factory IRS specifications when installed correctly. By upgrading to an IRS system using these pockets, you open up a world of possibilities for rear disc brake conversions, wider tire fitment, and more advanced shock absorber setups. Don''t settle for the limitations of 1940s swing axle technology when you can provide your classic VW with the sophisticated articulation and control it deserves.

FITMENT

These IRS Pivot Pockets are designed for conversion applications on stock Volkswagen torsion housings. They are commonly used on the following models when upgrading from swing axle to IRS:

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1950 through 1977 (Conversion for pre-1969 models)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974 (Conversion for pre-1969 models)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• VW Squareback, Fastback, Notchback (Type 3): 1962 through 1973
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Custom tube chassis or stock-based pan builds utilizing a standard VW torsion housing.
• Baja Bugs: Ideal for high-travel off-road conversions.

SPECS

• Material: Heavy-duty stamped cold-rolled steel.
• Finish: Raw steel (Requires welding and painting/coating).
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (Includes both Left and Right pockets).
• Application Type: Weld-on conversion.
• Inner Diameter: Sized to accept standard IRS trailing arm pivot bushings and bolts.
• Compatibility: Fits stock 1-1/2 inch and 1-5/8 inch diameter torsion housing tubes.
• Part Number: AC530004 / 00-3164-0.
• Weight: Approximately 2.63 lbs for the pair.

PRO TIPS

1. Use a Precision Alignment Jig

When welding these pivot pockets onto a swing axle torsion housing, accuracy is everything. Even a fraction of an inch of misalignment can lead to "dog-tracking," premature tire wear, and unpredictable handling. We highly recommend using a dedicated IRS conversion jig. This tool bolts into the existing spring plate holes and holds the pivot pockets in the exact factory location and angle while you tack-weld them into place. If you don''t have access to a jig, measure three times and weld once, ensuring the distance between the pockets and the center of the torsion housing is perfectly symmetrical on both sides.

2. Proper Surface Preparation for Structural Integrity

Since these are weld-on components that carry the entire load of your rear suspension, your weld penetration must be flawless. Before you even think about striking an arc, use a flap disc or wire wheel to remove every trace of paint, rust, undercoating, or grease from the torsion housing and the edges of the pivot pockets. You want shiny, bare metal for both surfaces. Because the torsion housing is a thick-walled tube, we recommend using a high-quality MIG or TIG welder with enough amperage to ensure deep penetration. Always weld in small increments, jumping from side to side to prevent warping the torsion tube with excessive heat.

3. Check for Binding and Bushing Fitment

Once the welding is complete and the metal has cooled, test-fit your trailing arms with the bushings installed before you finish-paint the assembly. Sometimes, the heat from welding can slightly distort the "ears" of the pocket. If the trailing arm doesn''t slide in smoothly, you may need to lightly dress the inner surfaces. This is also the perfect time to decide between rubber and urethane bushings. For a daily driver, stock rubber bushings offer a quieter ride, but for performance or off-road use, urethane bushings will provide much firmer support and prevent the trailing arms from shifting under heavy lateral loads.