SKU: 67903194618

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Ghia, Bus, Type 3 Swing Axle (1950–1968) | 97-4006-0

Sale price$2057.79 Regular price$2286.43
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $571.61 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 1 - Aug 6

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Ghia, Bus, Type 3 Swing Axle (1950–1968) | 97-4006-0Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for swing axle VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Type 3, 19501973. The street performance rear shock for vintage VWs with the original swing axle rear suspension. EMPI part #97 4006 0 (Bilstein 24 181488). Why Bilstein B6 over stock replacement rear shocks Bilstein has been the OE shock supplier for serious driving cars Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi for over six decades. The B6 series is their street performance

Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for swing axle VW Beetle, Karmann Ghia, and Type 3, 1950–1973. The street-performance rear shock for vintage VWs with the original swing axle rear suspension. EMPI part #97-4006-0 (Bilstein 24-181488).

Why Bilstein B6 over stock-replacement rear shocks

Bilstein has been the OE shock supplier for serious driving cars — Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi — for over six decades. The B6 series is their street-performance line, built around a monotube gas-pressure design that resists fade, doesn't foam under repeated cycling, and provides a more linear damping curve than twin-tube stock-replacement shocks.

The swing axle rear suspension on early VWs is famously prone to oversteer and inconsistent grip with worn-out shocks, since the rear wheels can tuck under during hard cornering. Quality rear shocks like the B6 don't fix the swing axle's geometric quirks, but they do control wheel motion much better — which means more predictable handling and far fewer surprises when you push the car.

Specifications

  • Series: Bilstein B6 Performance
  • Position: Rear
  • Design: Monotube, gas pressure
  • Application: Swing axle rear suspension
  • Sold as: Single shock
  • Part number: 97-4006-0 (EMPI) / 24-181488 (Bilstein)

Fitment

  • VW Beetle (swing axle rear): 1950–1968 (Standard Beetle, all years before IRS conversion); some early-1969 Standard Beetles also retained swing axle — verify your specific car
  • VW Karmann Ghia (swing axle rear): 1956–1968
  • VW Bus / Transporter: 1950–1967 (swing axle rear)
  • VW Type 3 (swing axle rear): 1962–1968

Will NOT fit: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) rear ends — VW transitioned to IRS in 1969 on Beetle and Karmann Ghia. For 1968–1979 IRS Beetles, order #97-4005-0 instead. Will not fit off-road builds with modified rear shock mounting.

FAQ

How do I know if I have swing axle or IRS?
Look at the rear wheels. On swing axle cars, the rear axle tubes hinge at the transmission, and the wheels visibly tilt inward (positive camber) when the car is jacked up. On IRS cars, the rear suspension uses independent control arms with constant-velocity joints, and the wheels stay more upright. The transition was the 1969 model year for Beetle and Ghia; Bus stayed swing axle longer.

Is this sold as a pair?
No, single shock. Order two for a complete rear-axle replacement.

Will B6 shocks help with swing axle oversteer?
Indirectly, yes. Better-controlled wheel motion means the rear stays more predictable under cornering loads. They won't eliminate the swing axle's geometric tendency to tuck under, but they'll make the car much more consistent and less prone to surprise lift-off oversteer.

How long do they last?
Bilstein B6 shocks have a typical service life of 60,000–100,000 miles in street use.

Do I need to replace front and rear at the same time?
Strongly recommended. Mixing performance shocks at one end with worn stock shocks at the other creates handling imbalance. Pair these with the matching front B6 for your front suspension type (link pin or ball joint).

Will these work on a swing axle Bus?
Verify mounting and length before ordering. Bus swing axle rear shocks are different from Beetle swing axle shocks in some applications. Contact us if you're unsure.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 67903194618

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 20 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
amazing.
Item Package Quantity: 4, Size: Queen
WOW. I was really skeptical, but the other reviews are spot on: these are amazing firm pillows. I really hope they don't lose their firmness and become lumpy like other pillows tend to do. Excellent pillows for the price!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Moranda
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great quality!! Great price
Item Package Quantity: 2, Size: Queen
Bought these for my mom and omg i like them better than the ones I got on Amazon theyre super comfy and they bounce back up they dont flatten and im definitely buying some next for me definitely worth the place great price and the make seems real good quality
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mack Mackenzie
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
These are very thick pillows.
Item Package Quantity: 2, Size: Queen
Exactly as advertised. They are very firm and very thick. They're too thick for me to be able to use as bed pillows. However, they seem to work pretty well as cushions in my papasan chair on top of its normal cushion also work very well as decorative pillows. I'm still giving them four stars because they're exactly as advertised and they seem well made. My only complaint is that they're just too thick. And that's definitely not the fault of the pillows or the pillow maker.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026
R
Verified Purchase
Robin Smith
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
how good the product is
These pillows are soft, fluffy, and surprisingly supportive for the price. They’re comfortable no matter how you sleep — whether on your side, back, or stomach — and they maintain their shape well overnight without going flat. The fabric cover feels smooth and breathable, keeping things cool through the night. After a few days of fluffing and use, they settle nicely into a perfect medium firmness. They also wash and dry easily without clumping. Overall, a great‑value pillow set that offers comfort, versatility, and quality — ideal if you need an affordable yet cozy bedding refresh.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
“Just Me”, LMT
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Quality for a Great Proce!
These pillows are very comfortable and maintain their shape. Quality is as described at a comfortable price for the quality! The pillows are comfortable; not overly firm nor flat. The density is medium and supportive; very comfortable!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026

recommand products