Is 850 GLT springs stiffer than SE ?? Topic is solved

[Martin_Frydenbo]

Hi everyone.

I cant find any info about this, so I'll ask here:

I have a 94 850 SE 2.5 10V 144Bhp
The ride height is a bit high for my taste, and I know that some 850's came with OEM lowered springs (about 15mm lower)
This was a costumer choice back in the days these cars were ordered new.

I have a '92 GLT 20V 170 Bhp spare-parts-car, and I'm wondering if they are stiffer / lower than others.
If maybe all GLT's came with stiffer / sport springs ?
I've already taken off the rear sway bar and mounted to my SE, and since the GLT has sway bar, does it then also have lower springs?

I've checked the product plate under the bonnet, but it doesnt have any of the product codes. Only color code and interior...
Cant find any info on VIDA either
I just don't want to go through all the hassle of changing them, just to realize they are the same, or worse...higher.

And no, I dont want adjustable suspension, and no, I dont want it any lower than 15mm

If anyone knows, please reply...

[scot850]

Can you post the product plate? Not sure when Volvo started the 2nd line of digits on the lower right of the VIN# tag by the battery which is what gives the suspension codes for later cars.

Probably the paint marks have rusted off the springs by now as that was the only other way to identify the springs. Rear sway bar was an option on some of the 850 models too. Until the turbo I would be surprised though if there were different spring stiffness in the first 2-3 years other than possibly the turbo. Springs also collapse with age so if they are original I would suggest buy a new set of non-Volvo ones. Also the other option is to talk to your nearest dealer as they may be able to give you clues to what you have. Perhaps with the vehicles being close to 25 years old the springs may not be the originals.

Neil.

[tryingbe]

And no, I dont want adjustable suspension, and no, I dont want it any lower than 15mm

You will not find what you're looking for until you go full adjustable coilover. No one sells 15mm shorter springs. There is no way I would trust some rumor that some 20 year old suspension springs are slightly shorter original spec. Plus, springs wear out and get shorter, ask anyone with a saggy rear end springs.

So, used unknown factory springs, new aftermarket springs with 1.5-2 inch drop, or coilover with adjustable are your real choices.


viewtopic.php?t=80861

[Clemens]

The only factory lowered option was to order a t5-r (95) or an R (96-97). They come lowered with just the right stance, soewhere innthe neighborhood of one inch lower than stock.
My 94 T5M wagon and my 95 NA sedan sit at exactly the same height.

[Martin_Frydenbo]

There is no way I would trust some rumor that some 20 year old suspension springs are slightly shorter original spec.

I know this for a fact, since I work at Volvo. I even have the catalogue
All Volvo 850's had the option to be fitted with lowered sport springs with or without NIVOMAT
These were 15mm lower than standard, and was stamped in the product plate from factory

Can you post the product plate? Not sure when Volvo started the 2nd line of digits on the lower right of the VIN# tag by the battery which is what gives the suspension codes for later cars.

Also the other option is to talk to your nearest dealer as they may be able to give you clues to what you have.

I dont have any pictures of the product plate. But the codes for suspension (springs and sway bars) were missing from the plate.
Since its a 92 mod, I guess they didnt start putting codes on the suspension before later...

My nearest dealer is my job.
I work at Volvo, and have searched everywhere in VIDA, and cant find any info on this.
None of my colleagues knew anything for sure either...

Plus, springs wear out and get shorter, ask anyone with a saggy rear end springs.

I agree. New springs would be better

The only factory lowered option was to order a t5-r (95) or an R (96-97). They come lowered with just the right stance, soewhere innthe neighborhood of one inch lower than stock.
My 94 T5M wagon and my 95 NA sedan sit at exactly the same height.

The solution would then be to buy some T5-R / R springs then


Thanx everyone. Got the answer I needed really.
Offcourse I'll consider adjustable coilovers if the price is OK, but from my experience, the ride gets so frustratingly stiff with coilovers...

[Clemens]

Don´t forget that the T-5R and R wagons came with nivomats in the rear. The springs are cheap, the nivos - if still available - around a grand for 2 of them.

[rspi]

The USA did not offer a different spring option.

[rspi]

I think I replaced the nivomat set up to stock set up in this video. I doubt those are the shorter springs you seek.

[LOB]

In Sweden at least some GLT came with slightly shorter coil springs see here and the Volvo PDF catalogue, dimensions and OEM nbr at the last page.

http://www.proparts.se/en/artiklar/coil ... index.html

I have a US spec 855 GLT 1997 (imported to Sweden) but it has the standard springs.

[scot850]

Looking at the info from Pro-Parts listing attached, the 'sport' spring kit is not a Volvo part number but probably their own. Like all Pro-parts parts, would I spend the money, heck no!

Interesting thread though. But it does go to show how different markets get different options. It would have been nice to be able to by the grille cover for cold winters. My brother had one from Volvo on his 850 and I think his V70 as well. No longer available of course but would be great over here when intercoolers freeze on turbos at -20C and below, also really help with the warm up of the engine and easy to fit. Beats the piece of cardboard zip-tied to the inside of the grille!

Neil.