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

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EMPI Stock Height Gas Shock for Link Pin Front End

Gas-filled shock for improved road handling
Measures 11 3/4" closed, 16 1/4" extended
Fits stock and drop spindle setups (up to 2-3")

EMPI’s stock height gas shock is designed for Type 1 models with a link pin front suspension and is sold individually. Gas shocks respond faster than oil-filled shocks, offering better traction and more stable handling—ideal for racing or off-road use. However, they deliver a stiffer ride compared to stock oil shocks. These shocks are compatible with stock height vehicles and those using drop spindles, but are not recommended for vehicles with drops beyond 2-3 inches.

The upper and lower eyelets feature 12mm inner diameter sleeves, designed to fit trailing arm mounts measuring approximately 11.9mm. If the shock does not slide onto the lower mount, the old shock sleeve may be rusted in place and will need to be removed before installation.

Product Fitment

1954-1965 VW Beetle (link pin front end)
1956-1965 VW Karmann Ghia (link pin front end)

Front Ride Height

Stock Height Car: Use a stock height shock.
Lowered with Drop Spindles: Use a stock height shock.
Lowered more than 3 inches with Adjustable Beam: Use a Lowered Shock.

Front Fitment

• 1954 to 1965 Beetle
• 1956 to 1965 Karmann Ghia
• 1955 to 1979 Type 2 Bus
• 1962 to 1973 Type 3

Rear Ride Height

Stock Height OR Lowered Car: A stock height rear shock absorber will work for nearly all lowered rear applications.

Rear Fitment

• 1954 to 1977 Standard Beetle
• 1971 to 1979 Super Beetle
• 1956 to 1974 Karmann Ghia
• 1955 to 1967 Type 2 Bus (Note: Does not fit 68-79 REAR Bus)
• 1962 to 1973 Type 3

EMPI recently changed suppliers for their shock absorbers and these shocks may come painted white, or red. Either way it will still be the correct, gas charged shock absorber.

Shop parts related to this project by clicking the diagrams below

California Prop 65 Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm

Please Note:The information listed below is for stock, unmodified VW's manufactured for sale in the US. VW's are commonly modified and very often parts from another year VW may have been installed on your car. California Pacific JBugs is not responsible for any errors if your car has been modified in any way.

VW Beetle

Sedan

1954 - 1977

Ragtop

1954 - 1963

Sunroof

1964 - 1977

Convertible

1954 - 1970

VW Super Beetle

Sedan

1971 - 1975

Convertible

1971 - 1979

VW Karmann Ghia

Coupe

1956 - 1974

Convertible

1957 - 1974

VW Type II (Bus)

Bus

1955 - 1979

Single Cab

1955 - 1979

Double Cab

1958 - 1979

1981 - 1982

VW Type 3

Squareback

1962 - 1973

Notchback

1962 - 1973

Fastback

1966 - 1973

When installing a new shock absorber on the front of your VW, make sure that the old shock sleeve is removed. The bolt that the shock absorber bolts to IS NOT a shouldered bolt. The shaft of the bolt has roughly the same outer diameter of the threaded area. If the old shock sleeve is rusted in place, use a pair of vice grips to break it free and remove it.

product description

Shipping

We offer FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100*

Orders under $100 cost a flat-rate, $11.95*
*Contiguous United States only. Excludes Hawaii & Alaska.

Express Shipping

We offer express shipping options during checkout.
The express shipping cutoff time is 11:30am PST.
Express shipping methods do not deliver on Saturdays.

Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO, & US Territories

For orders to Hawaii, Alaska, APO/FPO, Puerto Rico and other US territories, we will provide you with your shipping options and the costs via phone. The shipping costs for these orders are billed at the time of shipping.

International Shipping

We do not ship internationally. We only ship to the USA and it's territories.

Returns

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