Coil Over Shocks, Long 24 Inch

EMPI Long-Travel Coil Over Shocks: The Ultimate Off-Road Suspension Upgrade

Elevate your air-cooled Volkswagen''s performance and aesthetic with the EMPI Long 24-Inch Coil Over Shocks. Designed specifically for the rigors of off-road terrain, these shocks are a staple for any serious woods buggy, sand rail, or lifted Baja Beetle project. The striking contrast between the sleek black shock body and the high-polish chrome coil spring doesn''t just look the part at the local show; it provides the essential dampening and auxiliary support needed when the pavement ends. As a master specialist at Appletree Auto, I can tell you that these shocks are engineered to handle the increased vertical movement and stress associated with long-travel suspension setups. Whether you are navigating rock crawls or high-speed desert washes, these EMPI units offer a significant upgrade in rebound control and load-bearing capacity over standard hydraulic shocks.

Functionality is at the heart of the EMPI 17-2819-1 design. These shocks feature a robust 23.45-inch extended length and a 14.80-inch collapsed length, providing a generous 6-inch travel stroke to soak up heavy impacts. It is crucial to understand that these are helper-style coil-over shocks, meaning they are designed to work in conjunction with your existing torsion bars or leaf springs rather than replacing them entirely. This hybrid approach allows for a finer level of tuning, giving your rear suspension that extra bit of "oomph" to prevent bottoming out when carrying gear or landing jumps. By adding a secondary spring rate to the rear of your VW, you achieve a more progressive suspension feel that maintains stability on the street while remaining aggressive in the dirt. When you choose EMPI, you are investing in decades of Volkswagen racing heritage and proven durability.

Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility

These extra-long shocks are designed for custom off-road applications and may require modified shock towers or long-travel mounting points. They are commonly used on the following models:

• Volkswagen Beetle: 1950 through 1979 (Modified/Baja/Lifted Rear)
• Volkswagen Karmann Ghia: 1956 through 1974 (Off-road custom builds)
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974 (Lifted applications)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All custom tube chassis with 24-inch shock mounts
• Meyers Manx & Clones: Shortened or standard wheelbase buggy frames
• Woods Buggies: High-clearance rear suspension setups

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

Precision is key when building a reliable VW suspension. Here are the technical details for the 17-2819-1 coil-over kit:

• Part Number: 17-2819-1
• Extended Length: 23.45 Inches (Center of eyelet to center of eyelet)
• Collapsed Length: 14.80 Inches (Center of eyelet to center of eyelet)
• Total Travel: 6.00 Inches
• Shock Body Finish: Durable Black Powder Coat
• Coil Spring Finish: High-Luster Chrome Plating
• Mounting Style: Eyelet-to-Eyelet (Top and Bottom)
• Quantity: Sold as a Pair (2 Shocks included)
• Design Type: Auxiliary Coil-Over (Requires Torsion Bars)

Pro Tips for Installation and Performance

1. Verify Your Mounting Geometry and Clearance

Before bolting these shocks on, you must cycle your suspension through its full range of motion. Because these are "Long" shocks, they are significantly taller than stock VW rear shocks. Ensure that at full compression (14.80 inches), your suspension is not bottoming out on the shock itself, as this will destroy the internal valving and potentially rip the shock mounts off your chassis. Similarly, at full extension (23.45 inches), make sure your CV joints are not binding. You may need to install limit straps to protect your drivetrain and shocks from over-extension during spirited off-road driving.

2. Never Discard Your Torsion Bars

A common misconception among new builders is that these coil-over shocks can support the entire weight of the vehicle on their own. These are "helper" shocks designed to assist the factory torsion bars. If you attempt to run these without torsion bars, the weight of the engine and transaxle will cause the shocks to sag completely, leading to a dangerous loss of ride height and potential component failure. For the best results, set your torsion bars to your desired base ride height, and then let the EMPI coil-overs provide the additional dampening and spring rate needed for rough terrain.

3. Protect Your Investment from the Elements

While the chrome finish on the springs is highly durable, off-road environments are notoriously harsh. If you frequent muddy trails or salty coastal dunes, I highly recommend applying a light coat of high-quality wax or a silicone-based protectant to the chrome coils and the black shock shafts before your first outing. This prevents pitting and corrosion, ensuring that the springs continue to look great and move freely. Regularly inspect the rubber bushings at the eyelet mounts for signs of wear or cracking, and replace them if necessary to maintain a quiet, vibration-free ride.