Volvo 850 rear shocks: Best ride for the buck?

Post by **JimBee** » 25 May 2018, 19:04

Last year I installed new shocks on the rears of an 854 and and 855. Both are way too firm. One set is Monroe I think, and the other KYB gas that I pulled from a 98 v70. What better way to pulverize suspension parts than to have what feel like 2x4's between axle and body?

Since I'm maintaining 3 850's in decent shape, I don't usually look for the priciest name brands like Bilstein. So coming down from there, what are some good choices?

Sachs? As per this page, Sachs offers 3 quality levels but doesn't specify what the differences might be—or feel like.

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/1996/ ... rand=sachs

Post by **scot850** » 25 May 2018, 19:45

Try and find out what the standard version is for each vehicle. From that look at FCP website for the equivalent Sachs. They are softer than the likes of the Bilstien Tourings. Those are my preferred choice for the fronts, but at the rear with my wagons most have use Nivomats. My brother just fitted new Sachs shocks to the front of his daughters 97 850 base. Says it is so much better to drive now.

Neil.

Post by **JimBee** » 25 May 2018, 20:50

I installed new struts from the Estonian? company that makes the lower priced heater cores (that I've also used and have no complaints with). Those struts are firm and a little too harsh on some really rough road surfaces, but I'm okay with them. Again, on smooth roads, they provide great stability.

In searching, I came across a gauge for measuring compression/resistance. I think its used for track cars. Making a choice would be so much easier if factory specs were indicated on a standard scale with an instrument like that. Otherwise, reading other ppls subjective reviews and vendor claims is what we're left to. That's how I bought my last set. Like the front struts, on a smooth road those shocks are wonderful for stability and responsiveness to turning and braking. But on city streets they are chassis bangers.

More research is needed!

Post by **sleddriver** » 26 May 2018, 13:22

I went with OEM Sachs on all four corners. What an improvement over the original factory that were just flat.worn.out. Really firmed up the ride while at the same time eliminate the crashing & banging over speed bumps, rough pavement, etc.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 26 May 2018, 13:37

I love my Bilstein touring shocks. Comfortable to drive but with a quick response that I like. I used Monroe previously and oem Volvo previously. I definitely prefer the Bilstein shocks.

Post by **JimBee** » 27 May 2018, 20:34

So it seems that either of the above choices would be an improvement over what's currently installed. Maybe it will come down to a coin flip—or price. I think I saw the B-Tourings for ~$50.00. The cheapest Sachs were in the high $50's. But there were 3 grades of Sachs, so it's not clear how to choose. I need to replace them on 2 cars, I might try different brands on each one.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 28 May 2018, 04:45

JimBee wrote: ↑27 May 2018, 20:34 So it seems that either of the above choices would be an improvement over what's currently installed. Maybe it will come down to a coin flip—or price. I think I saw the B-Tourings for ~$50.00. The cheapest Sachs were in the high $50's. But there were 3 grades of Sachs, so it's not clear how to choose. I need to replace them on 2 cars, I might try different brands on each one.

Im all for experimenting so that's actually probably what I would do. Try both, and write a follow-up.

Post by **abscate** » 28 May 2018, 04:55

At least the rears are easy to do.

I put Sachs on my 99 but I like a stiff ride..our roads are really good up here so I want handling over comfort...and I tow boats too.

Post by **JimBee** » 30 May 2018, 22:24

I've ordered a set of Bilsteins and a set of Sachs. The fcp tele-tech told me that the Sachs are probably the same as Volvo oem. I have never ridden in a Volvo with "correct" fresh shocks, just the Monroes that I installed that are too harsh for my 850's. So this will be an interesting experiment.

Post by **erikv11** » 31 May 2018, 07:43

I found the ride on Monroes to be downright squishy. Two additional points to consider:
(1) What is the condition of the trailing arm bushings?
(2) Minnesota roads are overall pretty bad, on those surfaces an 855 will never be silky smooth no matter what you put back there.