Front & Rear Shock, Gas Filled, King Pin Front, Swing & IRS

OVERVIEW

When it comes to the ultimate balance between street performance and off-road ruggedness, the KYB Gas-A-Just KG5529 stands as the gold standard for air-cooled Volkswagen enthusiasts. Unlike standard twin-tube shocks that can suffer from aeration and "fade" during spirited driving, these high-pressure nitrogen gas-charged monotube shocks are engineered to provide significantly more damping force. This means you will experience a firmer, more controlled ride that eliminates the "floaty" feeling common in aging VW front ends and rear suspensions. Whether you are carving through canyon roads in a classic Ghia or navigating washboard trails in a Manx-style buggy, these shocks respond instantly to road conditions, providing the stability and tire-to-ground contact that performance drivers demand.

The beauty of the KG5529 is its incredible versatility across the Volkswagen lineup, serving as a heavy-duty front shock for early King Pin (Link Pin) models and a universal rear shock for virtually all Beetle, Ghia, and Type 3 applications including both Swing Axle and IRS configurations. The unique combination of a high-pressure gas charge and an all-weather fluid system ensures that the shock maintains consistent performance even as temperatures rise during heavy use. By physically separating the gas and the hydraulic fluid with a floating piston, KYB has eliminated performance-robbing bubbles, ensuring that your suspension stays planted and predictable. When you upgrade to KYB through Appletree Automotive, you aren''t just replacing a part; you are restoring the confidence and handling precision that your classic VW was meant to have.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle (Front): 1950 to 1965 (King Pin / Link Pin Models Only)
• VW Beetle (Rear): 1950 to 1979 (All Swing Axle & IRS Models)
• VW Karmann Ghia (Front): 1956 to 1965 (King Pin / Link Pin Models Only)
• VW Karmann Ghia (Rear): 1956 to 1974 (All Swing Axle & IRS Models)
• VW Type 3 (Rear): 1962 to 1973 (Squareback, Fastback, Notchback)
• VW Thing (Rear): 1973 to 1974 (All Models)
• Dune Buggies & Sand Rails: Compatible with any King Pin front beam or standard rear torsion housing utilizing eye-to-eye mounts.

SPECS

• Series: KYB Gas-A-Just High-Pressure Monotube
• Compressed Length: 10-7/8 Inches (263mm)
• Extended Length: 16-1/2 Inches (418mm)
• Stroke Travel: 6-1/8 Inches (155mm)
• Mounting Type: Eyelet to Eyelet (Top and Bottom)
• Internal Design: Monotube with Floating Dividing Piston
• Charging Gas: High-Pressure Nitrogen Gas
• Valving: Velocity-Sensitive for Instant Reaction
• Finish: Classic KYB Metallic Silver
• Quantity: Sold Individually

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Ride Height Before Installation

The KYB KG5529 is designed for stock-height or slightly modified suspensions, but it is critical to measure your distance between mounting points at rest. Because these are high-pressure gas shocks, they actually provide a small amount of "lift" force which can help with heavy engines or loaded-down buggies. However, if your VW is extremely lowered (slammed), you must ensure that the 10-7/8 inch compressed length does not bottom out before your suspension hits its physical bump stops. If the shock "bottoms out" internally, it will blow the seals and destroy the valving in short order. Always cycle your suspension without the spring/torsion load if possible to verify that the shock operates within its 16-inch to 10-7/8-inch window.

2. The Importance of Replacing in Pairs

We cannot stress this enough: never replace just one shock on an axle. Shocks are wear items that degrade over time; installing a brand-new, high-pressure KYB Gas-A-Just on the left side while leaving an old, tired oil shock on the right side will create dangerous handling imbalances. The new KYB will have significantly more resistance and rebound control, which can cause the car to pull or "dart" under heavy braking or during cornering. To get the true performance benefit of the monotube design, always install these in pairs across the front or rear to ensure a symmetrical response from your chassis.

3. Proper Eyelet Hardware and Torque

When installing these shocks on an older VW, take a moment to inspect your shock bolts and the metal sleeves. It is common for the lower rear shock bolts on a Swing Axle or IRS car to become pitted or worn. Since the KYB Gas-A-Just is a stiffer, more performance-oriented shock, it places more load on the mounting hardware than a soft stock shock. Use a small amount of anti-seize on the shank of the bolt (but not the threads) to prevent the shock sleeve from seizing to the bolt in the future. Ensure you torque the mounting hardware to factory specifications while the vehicle is at ride heightnot while it is hanging on a jackto prevent premature bushing wear and "binding" in the rubber mounts.