{"product_id":"bilstein-shock-absorber-off-road-classis-7100-series","title":"Bilstein 7100 Series Off-Road Rear Shock Absorber — VW Baja, Sand Rail, Buggy | 97-4098-0","description":"\u003cp\u003eBilstein 7100 Series off-road performance rear shock absorber, designed for sand rails, Baja Bugs, dune buggies, and other off-road VW-based builds. EMPI part #97-4098-0. With over 60 years of OEM shock engineering and decades of off-road racing development, Bilstein 7100 shocks are a long-standing standard for serious off-road use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy a 7100 Series shock for off-road use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bilstein 7100 Series is built specifically for high-displacement, high-velocity off-road suspension travel — the kind of duty that destroys standard gas shocks within a few hard runs. The 7100 uses a larger-diameter monotube design with high-pressure nitrogen charging and a valve system that resists fade under repeated high-speed bump and compression cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a Baja Bug or sand rail rear suspension, that translates to consistent damping after a long whoops section, no foaming or fade, and longer service life than any street shock pressed into off-road duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bilstein 7100 (off-road performance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Monotube, high-pressure gas charged\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 97-4098-0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVendor:\u003c\/strong\u003e EMPI (Bilstein product, distributed via EMPI)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFitment\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVW-based Baja Bugs (rear)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-travel sand rails (rear, depending on mounting geometry)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOff-road dune buggies (rear)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther off-road VW-based builds using compatible mounting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMounting note:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 7100 Series is built for off-road suspension geometry. Confirm your rear suspension type (swing axle vs IRS), your shock mount style, and your eye-to-eye length requirements at full droop and full compression before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this work as a street rear shock on my Beetle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. The 7100's damping is calibrated for high-velocity off-road impacts. On a street car, it'll ride harshly and the valving won't engage properly in regular driving. For street use, look at Bilstein B6 shocks instead.\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 pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's the difference between the 7100 rear and 7100 front?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nDifferent valving and length. The front shock (97-4097-0) is tuned for the front suspension; this one is tuned for the rear. Don't swap them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSwing axle or IRS — does it matter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Swing axle and IRS rear suspensions have different shock mounting geometry and travel characteristics. Measure your specific mount-to-mount distance at both extremes of travel before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow long do they last?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWith off-road duty, Bilstein 7100s have a service life of several years of moderate use or one to two seasons of serious racing. They can be rebuilt by Bilstein when worn out.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Washburn's Metal","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44473146703987,"sku":null,"price":315.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/2760\/1523\/files\/97-4098-0_ANG-500x287.jpg?v=1774308197","url":"https:\/\/shop.washburnsmetal.com\/products\/bilstein-shock-absorber-off-road-classis-7100-series","provider":"Washburn's Metal","version":"1.0","type":"link"}