Rear shocks

[FireFox31]

Sorry I got that off track. Back to the original question: Must we use the shocks, springs, struts specified on our chassis plate, specifically among the non-self-leveling variants? Must the specified shock/strut be paired with the matching spring?

I may get the Volvo brand specified blue marked front spring but the Sachs strut that's compatible according to FCP. For the rear, I can't find my specified color marked spring and the strut appears discontinued, so I'll have to go against the chassis plate.

[erikv11]

For the most part, no one matches to chassis plate. Maybe Neil.

For fronts they just get whatever coil spring FCP is selling, or another spring that they have heard others like. For struts, Sachs or Bilstein or others, depending on your interest. If you want to match the factory ride go for Sachs from FCP or the equivalent from somewhere else.

For the rear I'd recommend the IPD overload springs regardless of shock choice. Suggest pairing with Sachs (softer ride) or Bilstein touring (a bit stiffer ride) shocks. I've used both and I am currently favoring Sachs.

[scot850]

I'd take Erik's suggestions on this. If you like the slightly softer springing then Sachs is the way to go on the struts. If you want a slightly firmer controlled ride go with a Bilstein Tourings.

My buddy fitted The IPD overload springs to his 2000 NA/base SE. I had previously fitted new Lesjofers? that I bought from FCP. He found them too soft when the car was heavily loaded so changed them up. I thought they would be extremely stiff but a run in the car proved a firm but not uncomfortable ride and it was using newish Volvo rear shocks.

At the front you can use any springs you like. The Base models tend to be softer. T-5 firmer. Again, what you prefer. The only ones you can't use are V70XC as they are different.

I like my cars to stock, as Erik says, but even I will make adjustments for things like this. You may find the shock part number has been changed up. If not, try gcp.se in Sweden who stock many older parts.

Neil.

[FireFox31]

Thanks for the input (and I hope it helps the original poster too). I also like all original parts, but I'll take your recommendations that the chassis plate is a bit excessive.

Are Lesjofors the original equipment supplier of Volvo springs? FCP says they're made in Sweden so it seems likely. Each being $100 less than the Volvo part is a big savings.

Interestingly, I might already have heavy duty rear springs. FCP lists part 3546335 as heavy duty in both Volvo and Lesjofors brand but doesn't say which chassis plate code or color they are. That part on usparts.volvocars.com lists as being "green, marked E" which is what I currently have. Oddly, neither volvocars.com or VPWS sell that part but FCP claims to. Great, I'll get them both to have increase load capacity and keep it original.

The fine print on the IPD rear overload springs is "Performance products sold by IPD have not been tested or approved by any international, federal or local governing agency for street use, thus are designated for non-road or race track use only." Seems sketchy, also since they don't say who actually made them.

[scot850]

I believe Lesjofors are the OE supplier, but that doesn't always translate to the same quality or spec. As the Lesjofors springs are sold as a generic spec they won't necessarily be to the same as the OE part listed for your car. Same with Sachs shocks sold. Some say the Sachs shocks are softer than the originals, but again as there were multiple shocks for different specs of cars a generic may be different to what was fitted to your car.

It is like tires, oil and many other topics where personal preference is where you go or what you are comfortable with.

Neil.

[abscate]

I’m running IPD rear HD blues on three cars,one since 2014 and 100k miles

Big thumbs up from me. The one p80 I have without blues isn’t as firm a ride.

I wouldn’t let that fine print scare you off, that’s legal Wankers justifying their salaries, not engineers

I don’t think there are agencies which oversee parts by the way,with a few exceptions for things like lights

[erikv11]

I've been running IPD overload springs on the rear of P80 wagons since 2007 when they were sold in black. That pair improved the ride when I switched them to the 98 V70 in 2015 so they were still better than originals after 8 years and 60k miles. Today they are still going strong, have about 120k on them across three vehicles, still no sag, haven't had any issues.

[abscate]

The blue ones are 10 HP faster , too

T …………………. R