Suspension Suspension

[MoVolvos]

I just finished installing the last Front Strut Assembly today. The parts did not arrive together so I had to installed one Strut Assembly first on the drivers side as it was bottoming out due to the Broken Spring Seat and a Strut that just collapsed literally on the upward bounce. The bonk/clunk went away and then I installed the 2 rear Shocks on another day and it made the car ride so well besides being much quieter.

The last Front Strut Assembly along with the Sway Bar links made the car feel so... like a new car as the passenger side Spring Seat was also in bad shape. I took it on some back roads and I was still anticipating in the seat of my pants the repercussion of the former bad suspension but NO it went over those like a new car !

I purchased these for the Lifetime Warranty and ease of installation and Gabriel has an excellent rebate at this time if you buy 4 Units. I also went with O'Reilly's on the Sway Bar links for price and the Lifetime Warranty. Last note I found for my car the Strut Assembly has some movement in and out or positive or negative camber on the steering knuckle even though it is not suppose to be adjustable. I shifted it to the positive most camber position and it did not affect the alignment. I initially set it to Negative Camber thinking the Strut Assembly would raise the car enough to cause a slight Positive Camber and the car drove poorly till I reset it. The car drives straight without pulling and steering wheel is still centered and after a turn the steering wheel will automatically return to center as it should and not bind.

The total should be around $350.00 for 2 Sway Bar Links, 2 Completely Assembled Front Strut Assembly, no Spring Compressors to contend with (Strut, Spring, Spring Seat, Strut Mount, Boot and Bumpstop) and 2 rear shocks after the Gabriel Rebate. I know Gabriel is a no name brand these days and is made in China but it looks EXACTLY like the Volvo OE or BOGE's (front ones at least) that I removed from the car.

Master Pro Chassis - Stabilizer Bar Link Kit
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0106

Gabriel G57040 ReadyMount Complete Strut Assembly
http://gabriel.com/our-products/car-lig ... readymount
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XH ... B005XH6QZ8

Gabriel 69901 Ultra Passenger Car Shock for select Volvo models
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E8 ... B000E8SWEO

Blessings,

BKM
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[Thunderbox]

This looks like an interesting low cost option for my wagon. Since I picked it up for a steal this might fit my budget. Let us know how things hold up. did it come with new hardware like nuts and bolts?

[MoVolvos]

This looks like an interesting low cost option for my wagon. Since I picked it up for a steal this might fit my budget. Let us know how things hold up. did it come with new hardware like nuts and bolts?

For the 4 Units: Everything but the two large nuts and bolts for the steering knuckle. The ABS line bracket and screws are also included. Sale/Rebate up to 25% ends at end of April. Autozone has the same set up but the Complete Front assembly is about $25 dollars more each side but you can get the Lifetime Warranty done over the counter within 2 days. Hope I won't need them anytime soon but if needed no spring compressors and entire Assembled Assembly is new so quick in and out!

Blessings,

BKM
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[Thunderbox]

Just finished the fronts yesterday. Went in really easy. I had both front struts, ball joints and tie rods ends done in under 2 hours from car up on jacks to last bolt on wheel. The ride is great and for the price the ready made's are a great deal on my low cost wagon.

This is a quick shot after a detail session with a buffer and polish. Really digging this wagon.

[MoVolvos]

Just finished the fronts yesterday. Went in really easy. I had both front struts, ball joints and tie rods ends done in under 2 hours from car up on jacks to last bolt on wheel. The ride is great and for the price the ready made's are a great deal on my low cost wagon.

This is a quick shot after a detail session with a buffer and polish. Really digging this wagon.

Thanks for the update Guinea Pig 2 . The Ready Mounts have been working out real well on my car also and I've purchased a set of 2001 V70 rims with 195/65/15 tires instead of 205/55/16's and the Bridgestone Potenza RE960 are really quiet and smooth riding.

I am considering these two options to bring back the ride height and increase the tauntness in the rear suspension. The spacers bring back ride height and reduce one coils rebound usefulness so the other springs pick up the load thereby making it compress/push/pull more making things more taunt where as the IPD would just be perfect. Will update once I choose and install one of those.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/8817/120 ... 70-v70-fwd

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detai ... &ppt=C0361

Blessings,

BKM
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[matt122s]

Hi BKM,
I need to replace my front struts and mounts. I've been considering using complete units either Gabriels like you did or FCP complete strut units. It's been over 3 years, how have the Gabriel's worked out, are you happy with the ride, any issues or complaints? Any noises or softness in the ride?
Thanks, Matt

[precopster]

BKMs (Ben) car unfortunately had an engine mishap and it was put out to pasture. Not certain if it was parted out or sold complete. In any case it was last year. If he's still receiving post emails he may chime in......

[matt122s]

Thanks for the heads up Precopster. Does anyone else have any knowledge about the complete strut assemblies either FCP's version or Gabriel's?
I'd prefer to go Sachs all the time, but was looking for a cheaper alternative with a decent ride. I'm not into harshness, but want something that won't let me down either.
Thanks, Matt

[precopster]

This topic relates afew experiences: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... Suspension Suspension