Bilstein B6 Shock Kit, Set of 4: 2 Front + 2 Rear | VW Vanagon 2WD 1980–1991 | 24-008204 / 24-008303 (BDL-SUSP-VANAGON-B6)
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Bilstein B6 Shock Kit for the VW Vanagon 2WD 1980–1991: 2 Front + 2 Rear
Short answer: A stock-height VW Vanagon 2WD (1980–1991) uses two Bilstein 24-008204 / EMPI 97-4017-0 front shocks and two Bilstein 24-008303 / EMPI 97-4013-0 rear shocks. This kit is all four, matched as a set, for 10% less than buying them one at a time.
Bilstein gas-pressure shocks resist fade, don't foam, and keep the wheels planted. They work with your factory springs, do not change ride height, and carry Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty.
What's in the kit
- 2 × Bilstein B6 front shock: Bilstein 24-008204 / EMPI 97-4017-0 (cross-references VW 251-413-031)
- 2 × Bilstein B6 rear shock: Bilstein 24-008303 / EMPI 97-4013-0 (cross-references VW 251-513-031)
Need only one axle? Choose Front Pair or Rear Pair above.
Exactly what it fits
- VW Vanagon / T3, 1980–1991 (US model years), 2WD: air-cooled, Wasserboxer 1.9 & 2.1, and diesel
- Westfalia campers, Weekender, GL, Carat and Pickup/Doka on the standard 2WD chassis. A good choice for heavily loaded campers.
Does not fit: Syncro 4WD Vanagons (not confirmed; the Syncro front shock is different, so contact us), lifted Vanagons, and lowered Vanagons.
B6 or B4? B6 is firmer than stock and B4, with less body roll and wallow, at stock ride height. Choose the B4 kit for the factory ride.
Part number cross-reference
| Position | Bilstein | EMPI | VW / OEM reference | Also listed as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front (×2) | 24-008204 | 97-4017-0 | 251-413-031 | — |
| Rear (×2) | 24-008303 | 97-4013-0 | 251-513-031 | — |
Kit SKU: BDL-SUSP-VANAGON-B6
Frequently asked questions
What shocks does a VW Vanagon 2WD (1980–1991) use?
A stock-height VW Vanagon 2WD (1980–1991) uses two Bilstein 24-008204 / EMPI 97-4017-0 front shocks and two Bilstein 24-008303 / EMPI 97-4013-0 rear shocks. This kit is all four, matched as a set, for 10% less than buying them one at a time.
Will these change my ride height?
No. Bilstein B6 shocks change damping, not ride height.
My Vanagon is lowered or lifted. Will these work?
Not at a changed ride height. Contact us with your setup and we'll match the right set.
Do I need to replace all four?
We recommend it. New shocks at one end and worn shocks at the other make the van handle unevenly.
Is it sold as a set?
Yes. The Complete Kit is 4 shocks. Front Pair and Rear Pair are 2 shocks each.