SKU: 67903194618

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

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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.

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SKU: 67903194618

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Michele strauss
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Great pregnancy pillow!!
Size: 57 Inch, Color: Light Grey
I LOVE this pillow. It arrived quickly and was packaged very well. It was pretty squished when it arrived, but fluffed up very quickly! I didn't notice any odor when I unpackaged it. Love that the cover can just zip off for easy cleaning. It's helped a ton with my hip pain this pregnancy. It stays pretty cool, especially when compared to my normal pillow. First night I had it was the best sleep I've had in a long time and I look forward to laying down with it. Only bummer is it takes up quite a lot of room on the bed. I don't mind, but I do feel bad for my husband who I share with lol.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
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Amanda S
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
good
This pregnancy pillow feels really comfortable and provides good support while sleeping. It is a bit bulky, so sometimes I switch back to my regular pillow, but overall, it still feels really good and helps me get more comfortable at night.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026
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It’s All AOK
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
10 out of 10
Size: 57 Inch, Color: Light Grey
10 out of 10. Just got this in and I am finally sleeping at night. So soft, instant lower back relief, and fits well even on the couch.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
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jelly
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 3
Too firm throughout, but no support
Size: 57 Inch, Color: Light Yellow
I like the feel of the fabric but it's honestly not comfortable for me. The stuffing makes the pillow way too firm and I wake up with sore neck muscles. I do appreciate the body length, (I am 5'3) and it's comfortable for a little while, but not for the whole night. Especially because I have to get up multiple times to use the bathroom, and this pillow just gets in the way. I decided to just use three different pillows for my head, my legs and my arms/back at all different firmness so I get the support I need. If you are able to deal with the firmness of the pillow throughout, this might be a good option for you. I also ordered the cooling option and this does not help keep me cool at night. Even with the AC on and the fan running. It sleeps hot. I ended up storing it back in its vacuumed sealed bag and put it away.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2025
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Kimberly Suarez
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Who Says Pregnancy Pillows Are Just for Pregnancy?
Size: 57 Inch, Color: Light Grey, Size: 57 Inch, Color: Light Grey
I bought this pregnancy pillow even though I’m not pregnant, and I have zero regrets! This thing is incredibly comfortable and provides support in all the right places. Whether I’m sleeping, reading, listening to an audiobook, or just relaxing in bed, it helps me get comfortable and stay comfortable. I love being able to hug one side while supporting my back with the other. It feels like being surrounded by pillows without having to constantly rearrange them throughout the night. The only downside is that it takes up a decent amount of bed space, but honestly, that’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make. My family may disagree. 😆 If you’re considering this pillow but aren’t pregnant, don’t let the name stop you. Comfort is for everyone!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2026

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