Bilstein B4 Shock Kit, Set of 4: 2 Front + 2 Rear | VW Vanagon 2WD 1980–1991 | 19-238821 / 97-4010-0 (BDL-SUSP-VANAGON-B4)
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Bilstein B4 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 19-238821 / EMPI 97-4016-0 front shocks and two EMPI 97-4010-0 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 B4 front shock: Bilstein 19-238821 / EMPI 97-4016-0 (cross-references VW 251-413-031)
- 2 × Bilstein B4 rear shock: EMPI 97-4010-0 (cross-references VW 251-513-031)
Need only one axle? Choose Front Pair or Rear Pair above.
Fitment
- 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
Does not fit: Syncro 4WD Vanagons (not confirmed; the Syncro front shock is different, so contact us), lifted Vanagons, and lowered Vanagons.
B4 or B6? B4 is Bilstein's OE-replacement valving: it restores the factory ride. Choose the B6 kit for firmer, sportier damping.
Specifications & Part Number Cross-Reference
| Position | Bilstein | EMPI | VW / OEM reference | Also listed as |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front (×2) | 19-238821 | 97-4016-0 | 251-413-031 | — |
| Rear (×2) | — | 97-4010-0 | 251-513-031 | — |
Kit SKU: BDL-SUSP-VANAGON-B4
Frequently Asked Questions
- What shocks does a VW Vanagon 2WD (1980–1991) use? A stock-height VW Vanagon 2WD (1980–1991) uses two Bilstein 19-238821 / EMPI 97-4016-0 front shocks and two EMPI 97-4010-0 rear shocks. This kit is all four, matched as a set, for 10% less than buying them one at a time.
- Does it fit my van? VW Vanagon / T3, 1980–1991 (US model years), 2WD: air-cooled, Wasserboxer 1.9 & 2.1, and diesel, including Westfalia, Weekender, GL, Carat and Pickup/Doka. Not confirmed for Syncro 4WD; not for lifted or lowered Vanagons.
- Will these change my ride height? No. Bilstein B4 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.
- B4 or B6? B4 restores the factory ride. B6 is firmer, with less body roll, at stock ride height.
- Is it sold as a set? Yes. The Complete Kit is 4 shocks. Front Pair and Rear Pair are 2 shocks each.
