{"product_id":"gabriel-hijackers-rear-adjustable-air-shock-absorbers-level-and-tow","title":"Gabriel Hijackers Rear Adjustable Air Shock Absorbers - Level and Tow","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Gabriel Hijackers rear adjustable air shock absorbers the bottom line is simple: these are for owners of classic Volkswagen models who need a flexible, temporary leveling and towing aid. The reviewer found them most valuable for vehicles that carry varying loads or tow occasionally because the adjustable air pressure delivers up to 1,100 lbs of leveling capacity per pair while still functioning as conventional shocks. Installation is straightforward and the construction aims at long life, making these a practical upgrade for Beetles, Fastbacks, Squarebacks, Super Beetles and Things from the specified years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVehicle fitment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct fit for 1952-77 Volkswagen Beetle, 1969-73 Fastback, 1966-73 Squareback, 1971-79 Super Beetle and 1973-74 Thing, so buyers can expect correct mounts without major modification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable air pressure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allows the user to tailor ride height and comfort depending on load weight, which improves stability when towing or hauling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeveling capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers up to 1,100 lbs of leveling capacity per pair to reduce sag under heavy loads and help prevent bottoming out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a chromed piston rod and leak-proof piston seal intended to extend service life in towing and classic vehicle use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact stroke and lengths:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stroke of 5.6 in with extended length 16.35 in and collapsed length 10.75 in, providing predictable travel for the listed VW platforms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese shocks suit owners of vintage Volkswagen models who occasionally tow trailers, carry heavy cargo, or need temporary ride-height adjustment while preserving the vehicle's original suspension geometry. They are ideal for classic car enthusiasts who want a reversible, non-permanent solution to sag and handling under load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are not aimed at drivers seeking permanent lift kits or those who require electronically controlled suspension; anyone worried about long-term oil leakage or who needs a lifetime commercial towing solution should consider a professional, vehicle-specific system instead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWork as conventional shocks while providing adjustable air support for improved ride and towing performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to install on the listed VW models, with upper and lower mount codes matching original geometry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood value for temporary leveling needs, with customers praising fit, ride quality and stability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable features like chromed piston rods and a leak-proof seal aimed at longer life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report occasional oil or air leakage, so long-term sealing may vary by unit and use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for temporary towing or short-term heavy loads rather than permanent heavy-duty commercial use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e52-77 Beetle; 69-73 Fastback; 66-73 Squareback; 71-79 Super Beetle; 73-74 Thing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStroke\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.6 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtended Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16.35 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCollapsed Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.75 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper Mount Code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eES17\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower Mount Code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eES17\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterchange Part Numbers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMA803, 729204, 49307\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGabriel Hijackers are a practical, cost-effective choice for classic Volkswagen owners who need adjustable rear support for towing or varied cargo. They deliver genuine leveling capacity and retain conventional shock function, offering solid value for those after a reversible, easy-to-install solution, while buyers seeking a lifetime heavy-duty towing setup should weigh the reported occasional leakage against the benefit of adjustable air support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill these fit my VW Beetle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are made to fit 1952-77 Volkswagen Beetle and the other listed models using ES17 upper and lower mounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much weight can they level?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pair offers up to about 1,100 lbs of leveling capacity when adjusted correctly for load.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre they difficult to install?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInstallation is generally straightforward for someone with basic suspension experience and uses existing mount codes for direct fitment.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gabriel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48618140565723,"sku":"B001AM8KCW","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61S9Vi5HK_L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778446783","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/gabriel-hijackers-rear-adjustable-air-shock-absorbers-level-and-tow","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}