Front Ball Joint Shock, Lowered, Gas Filled, Sold Each

OVERVIEW

When you lower your air-cooled Volkswagen, the factory suspension geometry changes significantly, often leaving standard-length shocks over-compressed and incapable of providing a safe or comfortable ride. This EMPI Front Ball Joint Shock is specifically engineered for lowered applications, featuring a shortened body and stroke that prevents the internal valving from bottoming out when your Beetle or Ghia sits closer to the tarmac. Unlike traditional oil-filled hydraulic shocks that can suffer from "foaming" or cavitation during rapid movement, these gas-filled units utilize high-pressure nitrogen to keep the internal oil under constant pressure. This results in a much faster response time and more consistent damping performance, ensuring your front end stays planted whether you are cruising the boulevard or navigating winding backroads.

Upgrading to a gas-charged shock is one of the most cost-effective ways to modernize the handling characteristics of your vintage VW. These shocks are designed to automatically adjust to varying road conditions, providing a firmer, more controlled feel compared to the wallowing sensation often associated with aged stock components. The robust construction ensures long-term durability, protecting your suspension investment and reducing premature tire wear caused by excessive bouncing. Sold individually, these shocks are the go-to choice for enthusiasts who demand a balance between a "low and slow" aesthetic and high-performance dampening. If you have installed a narrowed beam with adjusters or dropped spindles, these shocks provide the necessary clearance and travel to keep your ride smooth and responsive.

FITMENT

This shock is designed for the front suspension of the following models equipped with a Ball Joint front end and a lowered ride height:

• Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle (Standard): 1966 through 1977
• Volkswagen Type 14 Karmann Ghia: 1966 through 1974
• Volkswagen Thing (Type 181): 1973 through 1974
• Custom Applications: Any Dune Buggy, Sand Rail, or Trike utilizing a 1966-later VW Ball Joint front beam that requires a shortened shock length.

SPECS

• Part Number: 00-9657-0
• Position: Front Only
• Suspension Type: Ball Joint (Eyelet-to-Eyelet mounting)
• Internal Design: High-Pressure Nitrogen Gas Charged
• Compressed Length: 12-1/2 Inches (Center of eye to center of eye)
• Extended Length: Approximately 15-1/2 Inches
• Finish: Durable White Powder Coat
• Hardware: Includes necessary bushings for installation
• Quantity: Sold Each (Two required per vehicle)

PRO TIPS

1. Verify Your Suspension Travel

Before finalizing your installation, it is critical to ensure that your shock is not acting as the "bump stop" for your suspension. With the shock installed, you should have at least an inch of travel remaining in the shock when the suspension is at its lowest point. If the shock bottoms out internally before the suspension reaches its physical limit, you will likely blow the seals or damage the mounting points on your beam. Always check your clearances with the vehicle at full weight on the ground to ensure the 12-1/2 inch compressed length is appropriate for your specific drop.

2. Check Your Caster and Alignment

Lowering a ball-joint VW front end often alters the caster angle, which can lead to "darty" steering or a lack of self-centering at high speeds. When you install these lowered shocks, it is the perfect time to inspect your beam for caster shims. If you have lowered the front significantly, adding a set of caster shims behind the lower beam tube can help restore the steering geometry and improve straight-line stability. Remember that any change to ride height or shock travel should be followed by a professional toe-in alignment to prevent rapid tire wear.

3. Proper Bushing Lubrication and Torque

To prevent annoying squeaks and premature bushing failure, apply a thin layer of silicone-based grease to the ID of the rubber bushings and the OD of the mounting bolts during installation. When tightening the mounting hardware, do not fully torque the bolts while the car is in the air on jack stands. Instead, snug them up, lower the vehicle so the full weight is on the tires, and then perform the final torque. This prevents the rubber bushings from being "pre-loaded" or twisted at ride height, which significantly extends the life of the shock mounts and ensures a quieter ride.