Sachs Boge struts and rear shocks disappointing.

Post by **rguzz** » 17 Aug 2022, 14:32

Just replaced front and rears as units 855t, FCP box said "Germany". Very surprised at how soft (squishy) they were. They rebound okay but wow compression is really on the soft side even when pumped up. Might look @ Koni STR-T or Special Active, from what I can tell the Bilsteins (B6) are harsh overall. The Boge's ride with lot's of body roll, the rest of the suspension is in great shape and ride height measures out to be pretty normal so I'm pinning this driving experience on the Sachs shocks. And I'm not looking for performance particularly. My experience with Bilstein Touring hasn't been good either, so any thoughts about these Konis?

Post by **scot850** » 17 Aug 2022, 14:37

I have Bilstein Tourings on the front of my 'R' and don't find them too hard unlike the HD versions which rattled that pea around in my head!

Sachs are softer than you are probably used to. Volvo had several variations of shocks so I think what you have will be the softest option.

I would be interested in hearing how the Koni's work out.

There are a few companies on fleaBay that offer coil overs. Maybe worth a look too.

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **Sveedy** » 17 Aug 2022, 14:51

I'm running Koni Special Active's and I'm very happy with them. Ride beautifully and handle great, but I have noticed that the front struts can seem hard if I hit a deep bump in the road. Probably the trade off for the stiffer handling. So I avoid bumps

Made in Denmark.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Aug 2022, 15:32

Combination of wheels, tires, tire pressures, springs, and shocks have to all work together to define ride.

Evita has a great set of Konis but I have to run the tires about 4 psi softer to keep the ride comfy on bumps

Post by **rguzz** » 17 Aug 2022, 19:02

At this point, hard to truly imagine too firm, so I might try the Koni active on the rear (easy install) for starters, thanks Sveedy. Tires are usually inflated to 34-36 psi and everything else suspension wise is in great shape, new control arms, etc. I have very low miles stock 855 springs as well. I'm confidant the ride is soft and squishy from the strut/shock Boge's. One thing I have never touched is the swaybars, though. But squishy up and down probably isn't that. IPD sways, maybe someday. Another topic!

Post by **scot850** » 18 Aug 2022, 10:30

I had IPD sway-bars and Bilstien HD shocks on my 'R' when I bought it 10 years ago. The front suspension was really hard and 'nervous'. Talking to IPD back then even they warned off on using the HD's on anything other than smooth pavement or a race track as with my 17" wheels it would make the car suspension way too hard. They were right!

The first winter I had to cross deep ice ruts into my street and even though I was careful the cold and jarring actually ruptured one of the shock seals!!

I fitted Tourings instead and even with 17" wheels and 225/45/17 tires this was a good compromise, although latterly I also removed the IPD sway-bar and fitted a new 'R' version. Can't say I have noticed any real change but then I don't drive like I am possessed either. Strangely, I would say our old 93 850 was one of the best handling P80's we have owned and cornered really well on standard suspension.

You could try a V70 XC swaybar as it is actually thicker than even an 'R' sway-bar.

I still have the re-finished powdercoated IPD front sway-bar and Energy Suspension greaseable bushes (they have a grease nipple where IPD don't). Not sure if I will keep them or move them out, especially as I seldom drive the car now. My wife uses it in the summer and it gets put away over the winter.

Like you I run the tires at 36 psi as I found the Volvo recommended pressure wore the outside of the tires prematurely. Even the dealer recommended 36psi.

Neil.