Shock Absorber, Oil, Rear for Swing & IRS, Each

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring the legendary ride quality of your air-cooled Volkswagen, the EMPI Oil-Filled Shock Absorber stands as a definitive choice for enthusiasts seeking a smooth, factory-like feel. Designed specifically to handle the unique weight distribution and suspension geometry of the classic Beetle and its derivatives, these shocks provide the essential damping required to eliminate wheel hop and excessive bouncing. Unlike modern gas-charged shocks that can sometimes feel overly stiff or "stuck" on lighter vehicles, these oil-filled units offer a progressive damping rate that excels on both city streets and light off-road trails. Whether you are cruising in a fully restored 1967 Sedan or tearing up the dunes in a custom-built sand rail, these shocks deliver the reliability and performance that EMPI has been known for over decades of VW specialized manufacturing.

The versatility of this specific shock absorber (Part Number 00-9652-0) is one of its greatest strengths. While primarily engineered for the rear suspension of both Swing Axle and IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) configurations, its dimensions and mounting style make it the perfect fit for King Pin front ends on earlier models. This means you can maintain a consistent damping profile across your entire vehicle using a single, high-quality component design. Each shock is constructed with heavy-duty internal valving and high-quality seals to ensure a long service life, even in the harsh environments often faced by Dune Buggies and Baja Bugs. When you invest in these EMPI units, you aren''t just buying a replacement part; you are restoring the structural integrity and handling confidence of your vintage Volkswagen''s chassis.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1950-1979 (All Rear Models)
• VW Beetle (Type 1): 1950-1965 (King Pin Front Suspension)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1974 (All Rear Models)
• VW Karmann Ghia: 1956-1965 (King Pin Front Suspension)
• VW Thing (Type 181): 1973-1974 (Rear)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: All Beetle-based chassis utilizing standard shock mounts
• Suspension Types: Compatible with both Swing Axle and IRS rear ends

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 00-9652-0
• Damping Type: Oil-Filled (Hydraulic)
• Compressed Length: 11-1/4 Inches
• Extended Length: 17 Inches
• Mounting Type: Eyelet-to-Eyelet
• Bushings: High-durability rubber bushings included
• Finish: Classic White protective coating
• Weight: Approximately 3.34 lbs per unit
• Sold As: Each (Two required for a full axle)

PRO TIPS

1. Prime Your Shocks Before Installation

One of the most common mistakes builders make is installing hydraulic shocks straight out of the box. Since these shocks are stored and shipped horizontally, air bubbles can become trapped in the valving area, leading to poor performance or "dead spots" in the travel. To fix this, hold the shock vertically (right side up) and fully extend and compress it 3 to 5 times by hand. You will feel the resistance become smooth and consistent as the air is purged from the inner cylinder. This ensures that the moment you hit the road, your suspension is working at 100% efficiency without any lag in damping.

2. Check Your Bump Stops and Travel

When installing these shocks on a lowered VW or a high-travel Dune Buggy, it is critical to verify that the shock is not acting as your suspension stop. If your car bottoms out and the shock reaches its fully compressed 11-1/4 inch length before the chassis hits the bump stop, you will eventually blow out the seals or snap a mounting stud. Always ensure your rubber bump stops are in good condition and are positioned to stop the suspension travel slightly before the shock reaches its physical limit. This simple check will save you from premature shock failure and expensive mounting point repairs down the line.

3. Don''t Over-Tighten the Mounting Bolts

While it is tempting to crank down on the shock mounting bolts as hard as possible, over-torquing can actually bind the rubber bushings and prevent the shock from pivoting slightly as the suspension moves through its arc. For a standard VW shock mount, you want the bolt tight enough to secure the inner metal sleeve of the bushing against the mount, but not so tight that you deform the rubber excessively. Use a drop of blue thread locker on the threads to ensure they stay secure under vibration, especially if you are running a Swing Axle setup where the shock angle changes significantly during travel.