{"product_id":"bilstein-shock-absorber-front-link-pin-suspension","title":"Bilstein B6 Performance Front Shock Absorber — VW Beetle \u0026 Karmann Ghia Link Pin (1950–1965) | 97-4000-0","description":"\u003cp\u003eBilstein B6 Performance front shock absorber for link pin VW Beetle and Karmann Ghia, 1950–1965. The street-performance front shock for early air-cooled VWs running the original link pin front suspension. Sharper handling, better steering precision, and far longer service life than any stock-replacement shock. EMPI part #97-4000-0 (Bilstein 24-000321).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Bilstein B6 for link pin front ends\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBilstein 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn an early link pin Beetle, B6 shocks transform the driving feel. The vague, floaty motion that owners accept as \"how old VWs drive\" is largely a function of worn-out shocks. With B6s installed, the car turns in sharply, holds a line through corners, and recovers immediately from bumps and undulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bilstein B6 Performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Front\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monotube, gas pressure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Link pin (king pin) front suspension\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSold as:\u003c\/strong\u003e Single shock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 97-4000-0 (EMPI) \/ 24-000321 (Bilstein)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Beetle (link pin \/ king pin front): 1950–1965\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW Karmann Ghia (link pin \/ king pin front): 1956–1965\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill NOT fit:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ball joint front suspension (1966 and later Beetles\/Ghias — order #97-4001-0 instead). Will not fit Super Beetle (MacPherson strut front suspension). Will not fit off-road builds with modified mounting geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I know if I have link pin or ball joint?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe transition was the 1966 model year. 1965 and earlier Beetles use link pin (sometimes called king pin) front suspension — visible pin-and-bushing joints at the top and bottom of each trailing arm. 1966 and later use ball joints — sealed, cup-shaped joints. If you can see actual pins with grease fittings, you have link pin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this sold as a pair?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo, single shock. Order two for a complete front-axle replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill B6 shocks ruin the ride quality of my vintage Beetle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. The B6 is firmer than stock-replacement shocks but isn't punishing. On a properly-suspended early VW with good tires, the ride is firmer but more controlled, not harsh. Many owners describe it as \"how the car was supposed to feel when new.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they OK for original-spec restorations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFunctionally yes, visually they aren't period-correct (factory Beetles came with Boge or Stabilus shocks in this era, not Bilstein). For numbers-correct concours work, original-style replacements are more period-correct. For driver-quality and resto-mod work, B6s are the upgrade most owners prefer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do they last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nBilstein B6 shocks have a typical service life of 60,000–100,000 miles in street use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to replace front and rear at the same time?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nStrongly recommended. For early swing axle VWs (1965 and earlier rear suspension), pair these with Bilstein B6 swing axle rear shocks (#97-4006-0) for a complete matched set.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44473135628403,"sku":null,"price":145.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/shock_2d0d447e-8e04-474f-80ed-00cbe913498d.jpg?v=1774307464","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/bilstein-shock-absorber-front-link-pin-suspension","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}