Rear Shock Recommendations

[Biggertuna]

Looking to replace the rear shocks on my 03 V70 Base. Been reading reviews/posts about shocks and it's difficult to tell which brand is recommended. Seems like Sachs would do the job but doesn't perform as well as stock. Would Bilstein be a better choice?

I narrowed down my choices to these (based on price point):
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 80-300-074
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... -24-193276

[ndphotonl]

I have Bilstein B4's on my S80 all around. I highly recommend them!

Volvo S80 2.4T Replacing Rear Shocks Bilstein B4 by Andy Ramdin, on Flickr

Volvo S80 2.4T Lowering Preparations by Andy Ramdin, on Flickr

[oragex]

..

[Biggertuna]

Removed and installed 2x Bilstein B4 on the rear. I’m having difficulty tightening the top 19mm nut to torque spec while trying to help the hex screw into place. Any ideas? How did you tighten it?

[- Pete -]

I don’t bother with torque on them. Impact the nut on, or you can use an offset box wrench & a torx bit through the offset wrench to counterhold the shaft.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-m ... -set-.html

[Biggertuna]

Picked up a set of offset box wrenches. Did my best to tighten while counter holding the top. Anything to be concerned about if it’s not tight enough? Took it for a ride and I don’t hear any clanking; rides nice and smooth.

[- Pete -]

You’ll know if it loosens, which in all probability is very unlikely. You’ll be fine. Next time hit it with the impact if you have one.

[cn90]

I used air gun to tighten the rear shock top nut. Thought it is was OK but turned out the shaft just spun and spun. So the nut was not tightened. Theoretically, spinning shaft can damage the new shock absorber too.

The solution was T40 and open wrench.

ALL the tricks are in the DIY I wrote for the rear susp back in Dec 2019:

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