What shocks?

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 08 Apr 2013, 09:23

Which struts and shocks: KYB, Bilstein or Sachs? Plain and simple. I want a comfortable ride.

Post by **cn90** » 08 Apr 2013, 09:42

I like my Bilstein TC struts and shocks.

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Apr 2013, 09:44

I'd say go with the OEM Sachs for a balance of handling and ride comfort. Bilstein = harsh ride. KYB = short life.

Post by **cn90** » 08 Apr 2013, 10:33

Actually only Bilstein HD is harsh.
The Bilstein TC is very nice.

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Apr 2013, 10:35

cn90 wrote:Actually only Bilstein HD is harsh.
The Bilstein TC is very nice.

Nope. TC rasises the ride height, makes the car look stupid, and makes the ride a little bit harsher than Sachs. As a plus, handling is a little better.

KYB would be the softest, but again, they don't last terribly long either.

Post by **850 LPT** » 08 Apr 2013, 11:10

cn90 wrote:I like my Bilstein TC struts and shocks.

+1 on the Bilstein TC's. High quality, lasts very long, good balance of handling, comfort and price. No harsh ride at all.

Post by **cn90** » 08 Apr 2013, 11:33

jblackburn wrote:...TC rasises the ride height, makes the car look stupid, and makes the ride a little bit harsher than Sachs. As a plus, handling is a little better...

I have used Bilstein TC on different Volvos, ride height is the same.
It does not look more "stupid" than day 1 from factory LOL.

FYI, the ride height is dictated by the Spring, not the strut.
I recommend Bilstein TC w/o hesitation.

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Apr 2013, 11:48

Whoops, sorry...it's the HD's that fit the spring differently and raise the front up.

reg gole · Post by **reg gole** » 06 Jul 2013, 22:46

I replaced the front struts with the Bilstein TC units. I kept the the stock springs. It looks to me that there is a perceived ride height gain. I didn't measure before and after difference when I replaced the struts so my conclusions are observations. But, there does look like something is happenin' there boys.

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Jul 2013, 08:41

You are right. I have used the Bilsten TC for years, I also like them. But yes there is some bad information in this thread: Without question they raise the front of the car, it is about an inch. This is very well documented on the forums, too.

jblackburn wrote:...TC rasises the ride height, makes the car look stupid, and makes the ride a little bit harsher than Sachs. As a plus, handling is a little better...

All completely true, except the "makes the car look stupid" part, which is up to the eye of the beholder.

cn90 wrote:... FYI, the ride height is dictated by the Spring, not the strut. ...

Of course ... but the spring perch is mounted a little higher on the TC strut, so the distance from the steering knuckle to the perch is increased. Result is the front sits a little higher. Ride height in the rear is not changed.

Sorry I didn't see this thread the first time around, I would have chimed in.