thoughts on strut/shock replacement 1997 volvo 850 na

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 04 Jul 2016, 13:08

Looking around, I was going to purchase bilstein touring for the front and rear of my car. After i did some research, i saw that many were also replacing the rear springs as those wear over time.

I am going to be replacing the front spring seats and mounts, and putting new tires on as well.

I dont believe anything has been replaced and i am at 300,000 miles

with limited finances should i focus on just rebuilding the rear with springs and struts? or just do the front and rear struts without the springs? trying to figure out what would be the best course of action since im getting new tires.

and if i do springs are the ones from IPD the best way to go?

thanks for the thoughts!

Post by **scot850** » 04 Jul 2016, 13:31

For me the decision comes down to the condition of the existing springs. If your car is sitting at the correct height (someone ship in here what that is) then unless the springs are excessively rusty then leave them alone. Mind you if they are the originals, they may benefit from replacement just due to age and the possibility of fracturing.

The price of the IPD front springs is really good for the Lesjofors. FCP are at $70 each but free shipping and 10% off until the end of the day (4th July) and free shipping over $49 US.

I really like the Bilstein Tourings on the front of my Volvo 859/P80's. Firm but not teeth jarring!

You don't say if you have a sedan or wagon?

I've just replaced the rear springs on my V70 wagon as the rear was so low the wheel fender top was level with the top of the tire.

It is always hard to make these decisions when money is tight. Do you plan to keep the car long term or just for a few years?

Are the rear shocks worn/leaking/bouncing to need replaced?

How are the ball-joints on the front lower control arms? If you raise the car off the ground at the front and put a large pry-bar between the control arm and the bottom of the spindle can you move make the gap larger? If so them put money into the control arms and fix the front end first.

Neil.

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 04 Jul 2016, 13:40

great thoughts, my car is a sedan that we will definitely be keeping for a while.

it would be helpful to know what normal clearance is for sitting height.

i guess i just assumed that they would need replaced as i am pretty sure they are the originals. there is a slight height difference on the driver side versus the passenger side but no clunks or rattles

I actually replaced control arms, sway bar links, tie rods a couple years ago so those should be good.

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 05 Jul 2016, 16:32

does anyone know what the normal clearance sitting height is for the rear for the car?

thanks!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 06 Jul 2016, 00:30

I put the Bilstein Tourings (front and rear) on my S70 some time ago. They are still doing fine. I believe I made the best decision for where I am and how I drive that car. Look at www.shox.com as they often have better pricing than others.

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 07 Jul 2016, 15:31

thanks ill take a look at that site!

do we know what the ride height is?

as i got to looking, i am not totally sure if i need to replace the struts at all right now but would like to know what the normal sitting height of my car is.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jul 2016, 05:46

I don't know what the exact height is...the rears are dependent on the springs, not the shocks although the front can be affected by the struts and all the stuff between it and the upper plate. If you can take a picture of your car then I think we (me and others here) can tell you if it looks right height-wise or not.