SKU: 81899014538

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Super Beetle & Ghia IRS (1968–1979) | 97-4005-0

Sale price$130.50 Regular price$145.00
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $36.25 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 19 - Jul 24

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Bilstein B6 Performance Rear Shock Absorber — VW Beetle, Super Beetle & Ghia IRS (1968–1979) | 97-4005-0Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) VW Beetle and Super Beetle, 19681979. The street performance rear shock for late model air cooled VWs running the IRS rear end. EMPI part #97 4005 0 (Bilstein 24 006347). 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

Bilstein B6 Performance rear shock absorber for IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) VW Beetle and Super Beetle, 1968–1979. The street-performance rear shock for late-model air-cooled VWs running the IRS rear end. EMPI part #97-4005-0 (Bilstein 24-006347).

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 IRS rear suspension on late Beetles is a substantial improvement over the earlier swing axle setup — the rear wheels maintain a much more consistent contact patch through suspension travel. Pairing that improved geometry with quality B6 shocks transforms the rear-end behavior of the car: more predictable cornering, better grip on rough surfaces, and a noticeably more composed ride.

Specifications

  • Series: Bilstein B6 Performance
  • Position: Rear
  • Design: Monotube, gas pressure
  • Application: IRS (Independent Rear Suspension)
  • Sold as: Single shock
  • Part number: 97-4005-0 (EMPI) / 24-006347 (Bilstein)

Fitment

  • VW Beetle (Standard, IRS rear): 1968–1979 — verify your specific car's rear suspension type, as the IRS transition happened for some 1968 models and all 1969+
  • VW Super Beetle: 1971–1979 (IRS rear)
  • VW Karmann Ghia (IRS rear): 1969–1974

Will NOT fit: Swing axle rear suspension (most 1967 and earlier Beetles, and all early Buses) — order #97-4006-0 instead. Will not fit off-road builds with modified rear shock mounting.

FAQ

How do I know if I have IRS or swing axle?
Look at the rear wheels with the car on level ground. IRS cars keep the rear wheels mostly vertical. Swing axle cars show visible inward camber (the tops of the rear wheels lean toward the center of the car), and the camber changes dramatically when the car is jacked up. The transition happened over 1968–1969 model years for Beetle.

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

Will B6 shocks help my Super Beetle's handling?
Yes. Super Beetles are notorious for vague, floaty handling — they're heavier than Standard Beetles and run a different front suspension entirely. Good rear shocks won't fix the front end issues, but they will dramatically improve rear-end composure.

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. For an IRS Beetle, pair these with the ball joint front B6 (#97-4001-0) for Standard Beetle, or appropriate Super Beetle strut for Super.

Will these work on a 1969 Karmann Ghia?
Yes — 1969+ Karmann Ghia uses the IRS rear suspension shared with the Standard Beetle.

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: 81899014538

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.3 ★★★★★
Based on 20 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
M
Verified Purchase
maxine
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 4
Heavy duty.
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 2
My dog was not interested, but it’s a good product
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
M Denise
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Treats and plenty of ball throwing with these doggie toy
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 1
I have actually purchased these twice already. I love the one that glows in the dark but it still got lost in my yard lol. My dog is a big breed half pitt/Labrador so she did chew through one of them already. I play ball with her every single day but I DO have to take them away from her because she will destroy them. They are great to add in treats as well, that was one of the my favorite things about them as well. They do last just if you have an over zealous chewer do not let them keep them for long periods of time. They are a good value for the price. Buy them your dog will love it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2025
W
Verified Purchase
Who Let the Dogs Out
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
My Female GSD loves
Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 1, Size: Medium (2.5"), Style: Fetch Pack 1
Shasta is my smallest. Six in December (2025) along with her brother. She’s 100 lbs and outside, completely ball driven see last picture. Don’t let the size (2.5”) of these Chuck-It balls deter you. If your larger Breed dog has any orthopedic issues, has already torn their ACL etc, one has arthritis but wants to play. This size is perfect! Shazzy was born with several ortho issues. I don’t throw balls distance but right to her. This size and lighter weight assure even when Shazzy is spazzy w excitement, she’ll catch the ball mid air. The green balls are softer, and glow in the dark. In summer we can play well past dusk and I can see them! Her personality shows in the pictures. Playing ball is part of her. These balls are just perfect for her situation. Somehow they disappear, she loves making baskets, puts them in my tractor bucket, or my gardening bucket..then get put in burn pile, trash etc. I keep replacing them because she’d look day and night if we actually ran out!! 🙏✝️👍🏼👍🏼
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2025
G
Verified Purchase
Gus
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Heavy chewer approved.
Style: Ball, Size: Medium (Pack of 1)
My pomsky will destroy a toy in minutes. Ropes, and the "indestructible" nylon type stuffs are no match for my furry shark. This ball has stood up to him like David. He loves the crunch and it is so much more tolerable than a squeaker. These will be a staple in his toy box - Chuckit toys are really the most durable dog toys I have found in three years.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
G
Verified Purchase
Gold Coast
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Fun Ball
Style: Ball, Size: Medium (Pack of 2)
Great new ball for our pup. He loves the sound of the crunch!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026

recommand products