Need Shocks/struts on my 98 V70

trammellclan3 · Post by **trammellclan3** » 09 May 2008, 14:52

I was wondering if someone could tell me what parts I need to buy (other than the shocks and struts of course)to change out my shocks/struts. I am looking @ Bilstein touring shocks and found them for a great price on Ebay but I figure I probably need some other parts to do the job right. By the way, being as I have no knowledge of how to do the job I will be seeking a professional to do it but I want to have everything I need so that they don't run into a snag and I have to pay a premium for "extra unexpected parts". Also wondering if anyone who might consider themself a "suspension specialist" because I have another question. Is there some "part" I could have put on when the shocks/struts are changed that would lift the car enough to allow me to run 255/55/16 tires. I have a set W/ rims that I bought that someone took off a Jaguar XJS w/ virtually no mileage on them. The bolt pattern is fine and as a matter of fact, I've noticed that its the same wheel that comes on the '03 V70 w/ the exception that it has a Jag center cap. I really want to use them if there is any way possible to do it safely. If its not possible, I have them to sell if anyone might be interested. You can PM me. Thanks

Post by **JRL** » 09 May 2008, 15:12

Bilstein struts will RAISE the car about 1/2" something NO ONE wants, (except apparently you

)
That tire size is rediculous, way too tall a tire for this car.
You should install new front strut mounts as they're a wear item and if not broken now they will be soon enough, so NOW would be the time to do that. Also possibly new sway bar end links and have the rear shock mounts inspected while doing the job.
You should have the inner and outer tie rods also inspected at this time, they wear along with control arm bushings
Personally I would just replace the rear shock mounts at this time, not very expensive

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 09 May 2008, 18:30

Well trammel, not everyone is going to insult you when you ask a question here... but are you sure you really want to change your tires to that size?

The recommended tire size on my 2000 v70 xc is 205/55R16. That tire has sidewalls 113mm tall (.55 x 205mm) while the tire you want to use has sidewalls 140mm tall! A 255/55R16 tire will be a full two inches larger in diameter and two inches wider! A 45 series tire would be better (255 X .45 = 114mm), but I bet there are going to be some serious clearance issues for any 255 tire.

You didn't say how wide those wheels you have are, but is their width the reason you want to use 255's? If so I'd just buy some similar wheels that will carry tires designed to fit the car. Sometimes bigger is not better.

You won't be saving any money because you are going to need big, expensive tires and new suspension components to use them. Have you thought about the wheels' offsets? Sell 'em - they don't fit the Volvo.

Post by **JRL** » 09 May 2008, 19:09

I don't care how much you raise it unless you want it to be a mini monster truck and raise it 8", those tires will NOT fit. (that's a period)!
The wheel wells are too narrow and those tires are WAY too big for a Volvo

Post by **Sperry** » 09 May 2008, 19:40

I bought a parts kit from Groton, and a local wrench put them on [front only].

I swear the spring seats were replaced, but they were evidently shot within a couple of months. It has been suggested that my "OEM parts kit" might have included Scantech spring seats [is that possible?] or perhaps the seats were never replaced.

Anyway, it was similar labor to install them , but that made all the difference.

Taller tires are gonna do heck to the sway factor, don'cha think?

trammellclan3 · Post by **trammellclan3** » 09 May 2008, 23:03

Silly me!!! I made a serious typo when I posted my question. The tires are actually 225 not 255/55/16's. Now I understand why everyone thought I was crazy. The object here is 2 fold: 1) the Michelin MXV4 tires have less than 1000 miles on them and 2) what led me to ask the ??? is that the tires & wheels are like the 2003 Volvo wheels and will update the look of my wagon. One other question: I love my V-70 but is it truly the money pit it is appearing to be and will its dependability and longevity pay off in the long run or would I be better off getting a Honda or Toyota? Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 May 2008, 23:58

On '03 V70 with trouble? We have an '04 and the only thing we've done has been typical maintenance. We are on the second set of tires and did the front brake pads in regards to wear items, but that's it. Now, approaching 80K miles.

Post by **JRL** » 10 May 2008, 05:26

trammellclan3 wrote:Silly me!!! I made a serious typo when I posted my question. The tires are actually 225 not 255/55/16's. Now I understand why everyone thought I was crazy. The object here is 2 fold: 1) the Michelin MXV4 tires have less than 1000 miles on them and 2) what led me to ask the ??? is that the tires & wheels are like the 2003 Volvo wheels and will update the look of my wagon. One other question: I love my V-70 but is it truly the money pit it is appearing to be and will its dependability and longevity pay off in the long run or would I be better off getting a Honda or Toyota? Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.

Apology accepted.
I still think that's a bit tall but probably would fit.
The optimum tire is the 205/55/16/ You could easily use a 225, 50 but a 225/55 will still be a bit tall but you can try them. The worst that will happen is they don't work too well and you'll have to buy the proper size.
As for a money pit, they require some rebuilding every 80K miles or so, but if done properly at these intervals, the major parts should last.
(If you are one of the luckier ones), but these are NOT Camry's and require more maintenance then any Jap car requires