s70 t5 ride height

mrbrightside2009 · Post by **mrbrightside2009** » 27 Jun 2023, 17:26

98 s70 t5 here...the front end seems to sit higher than most s70's I've seen...bought it this way...could someone have put on taller springs maybe...any help or input appreciated ( want to get normal ride height, too much wheel gap for my liking )

mrbrightside2009 · Post by **mrbrightside2009** » 27 Jun 2023, 17:28

: 20230626_172715.jpg (585.48 KiB) Viewed 648 times

WhatAmIDoing · Post by **WhatAmIDoing** » 27 Jun 2023, 18:30

Hard to say without an actual measurement (measure from ground to top of fender arch), but it does look kind of high. Does it look like aftermarket suspension components were installed? Could just be new springs, which would look high compared to the 25+ year old springs on every other 850. Do the axles look level at ride height, or are they sloping down ward to the wheels? Other possibility is someone swapped in a strut and spring assembly from an XC70 or XC90. This is dangerous as the axles can overextend and lock up at speed (ask me how I know).

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 27 Jun 2023, 19:43

Could this have the self-leveling feature like my 99 XC? Maybe someone put in HD springs or such?

Either way, enjoy. It means it will take longer to sag =)

If you'd like, I can drive it around until they're at the height you'd prefer =P

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jun 2023, 20:18

There have been debates that some aftermarket front struts (Bilstein being the main one) have the lower spring seat sitting higher than that of the OE front struts. My V70R is on Bilstien Tourings and does not sit that high. It could also be that aftermarket springs have been used and they are not the correct length.

Another issue is that perhaps the owner did not torque the lower control arms on the front with the weight of the car on the suspension. This might jack the front struts and control arm bushes raising the car. You car will likely have the 2 bolt front control arm inner pivots. You could try loosening them and letting the suspension settle sitting on wheel ramps, then re-torque the inner bolts. It may not make a difference but it is a free potential fix.

Volvo used several different spring rates for the front of these cars which is shown by a code on your Vin plate. That code relates to a part number for your car. If a generic spring has been used or one from say a V70XC they may be the wrong length and spring rate.

This is my car when bought 10 years ago and on Bilstien HD shocks (which were way too hard for our roads):

: Car when bought in 2012; blue volvo_1.jpg (372.32 KiB) Viewed 614 times

This was about 6 years later with full OE suspension except the Bilstien Tourning front shocks.

: Car in around 2016; blue volvo_Nov 2012.JPG (261.19 KiB) Viewed 614 times

A year later:

: V70 base and V70R 2017; 2000 V70 SE base FWD 004.JPG (293.16 KiB) Viewed 614 times

This is my V70 base wagon with standard front springs and Lesjofors shortly after completing a major overhaul. My buddy now has the V70 base car and now had IPD HD springs on it and it still looks like that. The R has settled over a year after refreshing the suspension.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Jun 2023, 06:53

That’s sitting really high in 16 inch Perfos

My guess is aftermarket springs.

I didn’t know about the XC90 lock up issue , that’s good to know not to do

The Kat has a really nice low pouncy stance with all stock stuff. Haven’t figured that out yet

mrbrightside2009 · Post by **mrbrightside2009** » 01 Jul 2023, 11:50

thank you for all the replies and advice...very much appreciated

the measurements i am getting is 26 1/4 from ground to top of fender arch...also the axles do not seem to be sloping downwards.

let me know what measurements you guys have on your stock setups.

Post by **Sveedy** » 01 Jul 2023, 12:34

You got me wondering, so I measured Sveedy - 25 1/2".