Bilstein B6 Split Window Bus Shock Kit: 2 Front + 2 Rear | VW Type 2 Splitscreen 1955–1967 | 24-632799 / 24-181488 (BDL-SUSP-SPLIT-B6)

Bilstein B6 Shock Kit for the VW Split Window Bus (1955–1967): 2 Front + 2 Rear

Short answer: A stock-height 1955–1967 VW Split Window Bus (Type 2 / T1 / Splitty) uses two Bilstein 24-632799 front shocks and two Bilstein 24-181488 rear shocks. This kit is all four, matched as a set, for less than buying them one at a time.

Bilstein B6 is the standard performance upgrade for the split bus: a monotube, gas-pressure shock that controls the nose-dive, wallow and crosswind wander a tired split bus is known for. It works with your factory torsion bars, does not change ride height, and is covered by Bilstein's limited lifetime warranty.

What's in the kit

• 2 × Bilstein B6 front shock: Bilstein 24-632799 / EMPI 97-4003-0 (cross-references VW 211-413-031)
• 2 × Bilstein B6 rear shock: Bilstein 24-181488 / EMPI 97-4006-0 (cross-references VW 113-513-031)
• Each shock comes with its blue protective boot.

Need only one axle? Choose Front Pair or Rear Pair above.

Vehicle fitment

• VW Split Window Bus / Splitscreen / Type 2 (T1), 1955–1967, at stock ride height
• All body styles: Kombi, Microbus, Deluxe (Samba / 21- and 23-window), Panel Van, Single Cab and Double Cab pickups, Westfalia campers, Ambulance, Hi-Top
• Split buses with the factory link-pin front beam and swing-axle reduction-box rear
• Not confirmed for 1950–early 1955 "Barndoor" buses (contact us before ordering). Not for lowered buses (narrowed or adjustable beams, turned-down spring plates; these need shorter shocks), or 1968–1979 Bay Window rears. Bay Window buses can use the front shock alone; choose Front Pair.

Part number cross-reference

Kit SKU: BDL-SUSP-SPLIT-B6

Specifications

Why Bilstein B6 for a split bus

• Monotube gas pressure: No foaming or fade on long grades or washboard roads.
• Tuned for the vehicle: Firmer and better controlled than oil-filled stock replacements, but not harsh.
• Stock height: Uses your factory torsion leaves and torsion bars, so there are no spring changes.
• Limited lifetime warranty from Bilstein.

Install notes

• This is a bolt-in replacement for the original eye-to-eye shocks. Reuse your shock bolts if they are in good shape, or replace them if they are rusted or stretched.
• Do one axle at a time with the bus on stands and the wheels unloaded.
• Replacing all four at once keeps front and rear damping balanced, which is why we sell them as a kit.

Frequently asked questions

What shocks does a VW Split Window Bus use?
A stock 1955–1967 split bus takes two front and two rear shocks. The Bilstein B6 upgrades are 24-632799 front and 24-181488 rear, which is exactly what this kit contains.

Is the rear split bus shock the same as the Beetle swing-axle rear?
Yes. The 1955–1967 bus rear uses the same Bilstein 24-181488 as the 1950–1968 swing-axle Beetle, Ghia and Type 3.

Will these fit my 1968–1979 Bay Window Bus?
The front shock fits Bay Windows, so choose Front Pair. The Bay Window rear is a different, longer shock and is not included in this kit.

Will these lower or raise my bus?
No. B6 shocks change damping, not ride height.

My bus is lowered. Will these work?
Not at full drop. Lowered split buses usually need shorter shocks. Measure your shock length at ride height and contact us before ordering.

Do I need to replace all four?
We recommend it. New shocks at one end and worn shocks at the other make the bus handle unevenly.

Is it sold as a set?
Yes. The Complete Kit is 4 shocks. Front Pair and Rear Pair are 2 shocks each.