EMPI VW Performance Gas Shock - Front Link Pin or Rear - All Type 1

EMPI's stock height shocks for Type 1 models with link pin front ends and are sold individually. This gas-filled shock is 11 3/4" long in the fully closed position and 16 1/4" at full open. The shock fits 1954 to 1965 Standard Beetle and 1956 to 1965 Karmann Ghia models (with link pin front end). Gas shocks compress more rapidly than oil-filled shocks, which makes them more responsive to changes in road conditions, providing better contact with the ground and more stable handling. Gas shocks perform better in racing or off-road applications, but tend to have a stiffer ride than the stock oil-filled option. Stock height shocks also fit vehicles with drop spindles, but perform poorly with any more than a 2-3" drop.

The eyelets at the upper and lower ends of the shock have a 12mm (just under 1/2") inner diameter sleeve. The mount on the trailing arm should measure about 11.9mm (just over 7/16"). If the hole is "too small" to fit on the lower mount, then the old shock sleeve has rusted in place and must be removed. Sometimes a pair of vice grips is all it takes, sometimes heat, a chisel or even a cut off wheel have been needed.