Rear Shock Opinions Confusing...

[Eddystone]

Posters opinions about rear shocks are all over the place. People say Sachs are the way to go while others say they aren't the same as what came from the factory in 1998. Neither are the Volvo OEM shocks. Other warn that the Bilsteins are no longer made in Germany and don't get the ones from Turkey.

In the meantime, I've been looking at the KYB Gas A Just shocks.

The Hutchinson mounts are twice as expensive as the Meyle mounts or the KYB mounts.

All of this is due to some noices I have heard in the back end which are squeaking and groaning noises. Not all the time. Just sometimes.

The shocks and the mounts LOOK perfectly fine. I have the car in the garage and plan on pulling a shock out and inspecting it off the car, but past experience says that won't tell you much unless they are completely destroyed. I have no idea how many miles these have on them.

So, what's the current FYI on shocks? The car is a 1998 V70 Non-Turbo. I'm not looking for an autocrosser here, but I don't want weaker shocks than the car originally shipped with. I'm also not paying $100 per shock.

[Sveedy]

I think you've covered it pretty well. If you wanted a less expensive shock, then maybe Monroe ? But I have know idea if they're any good on these cars. I went with the Koni Special Active but they are a bit more. I am very happy with them. I'd say a little stiffer than stock, but a nice smooth ride.

[foggydogg]

Just put stock shocks from the dealer on the 99NA M project, cheaper than FCP and without the glacial shipping. Made a huge difference, but the old ones retracted into the tube as soon as I took off the top nut.
I found some Sachs with the right part number on eBay, decent price, but the feedback on that vendor showed they were selling ancient NOS, with poor results.

[abscate]

Shocks less important

Springs more important. Just ordered new IPD Blur HD for Shaggkira. I run these on the T5 and they are also

[Eddystone]

1950 Studebaker 2R10

Lovely!