Spring Plate Cover Spacers

OVERVIEW

When you are upgrading your air-cooled VW rear suspension with EMPI adjustable spring plates, you will quickly realize that the added thickness of the adjustable mechanism can create significant clearance issues. These EMPI Spring Plate Cover Spacers are the professional solution to that common interference problem. Engineered using state-of-the-art CAD software, these 5mm spacers provide the precise amount of offset required to allow your spring plate covers to clear the adjusting nut and the plate assembly itself. Without these spacers, you risk binding the suspension or, worse, stripping out the mounting threads in your torsion housing because the bolts cannot reach deep enough to secure the cover properly over the thicker aftermarket plates. By installing these between the spring plate and the cover, you ensure a smooth, bind-free range of motion that is essential for both street performance and off-road reliability.

Quality and durability are paramount when dealing with suspension components that take the brunt of road vibration and torque. These spacers are manufactured from high-grade 1018 laser-cut steel, ensuring that they remain perfectly flat and won''t compress or warp under the heavy clamping force of the torsion housing bolts. The kit is finished in a rugged, corrosion-resistant black coating designed to withstand the harsh environment of the undercarriage for years to come. Appletree Auto knows that a job is only as good as the hardware used to finish it, which is why this kit includes high-tensile 10x35mm Allen head bolts and matching lock washers. This complete package eliminates the guesswork and the need for a trip to the hardware store, providing a "bolt-on and go" experience for the serious VW enthusiast who demands perfection in their chassis setup.

FITMENT

These spacers are specifically designed for use with EMPI Adjustable Spring Plates but can be adapted for other custom suspension applications requiring 5mm of additional clearance at the torsion housing. They fit the following models when equipped with compatible spring plates:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle: 1949 through 1977 (Standard and Super Beetle)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974
• Volkswagen Type 3 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback): 1962 through 1973
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Rail Buggies and Bajas utilizing standard VW torsion housings and adjustable spring plates.

SPECS

• Spacer Thickness: 5mm (0.196 inches)
• Material: 1018 Laser-Cut Steel
• Finish: Durable Black Protective Coating
• Hardware Included: (8) 10mm x 35mm Allen Head Bolts
• Washer Included: (8) 10mm Black Oxide Lock Washers
• Quantity: Sold as a pair (Includes components for both Left and Right sides)
• Manufacturing Process: CAD Designed for exact fitment tolerances
• Compatibility: Optimized for EMPI Adjustable Spring Plate Kits

PRO TIPS

1. Check Your Bushing Compression

When you add a 5mm spacer between the spring plate and the cover, you are effectively increasing the "pocket" depth for your urethane or rubber bushings. While this is necessary to clear the adjustable hardware, you must ensure that your bushings are still under slight compression once the bolts are torqued down. If the bushing feels loose or can be rotated by hand after installation, you may need to shim the bushing or verify that you are using the correct "stepped" or "flat" style bushing for your specific spring plate and cover combination. Proper bushing "crush" is what prevents annoying suspension squeaks and keeps your rear-end alignment stable during hard cornering.

2. Clean Your Torsion Housing Threads

The bolts that hold your spring plate covers in place are under a tremendous amount of stress. Before installing the new 35mm Allen head bolts provided in this kit, use a 10mm x 1.5 tap or a dedicated thread chaser to clean out the internal threads of the torsion housing. Over the decades, these holes often collect road grime, rust, and old Loctite. If you try to force the new bolts into dirty threads, you risk cross-threading or getting a false torque reading. A clean thread ensures that the 5mm spacer and the cover are pulled tight against the housing, creating a rigid assembly that won''t loosen over time.

3. Lubrication is Key to Longevity

Since you have the spring plate covers off to install these spacers, this is the perfect time to apply a high-quality synthetic grease or anti-seize to the contact points. Specifically, apply a thin layer of grease to the sides of the spring plate where it meets the bushings, and use a small amount of anti-seize on the threads of the new Allen bolts. This prevents the bolts from seizing in the torsion housinga common nightmare for VW ownersand ensures that the adjustable portion of your spring plates remains easy to turn when you want to fine-tune your ride height in the future. Remember, a well-lubricated suspension is a quiet and adjustable suspension.