Suspension recommendations

Beck · Post by **Beck** » 04 Sep 2009, 19:54

Hey all, I've lurked on this site for a while and it's clear you have a wealth of knowledge about Volvos. I'm looking at replacing the OEM suspension with something sportier. I like the $$ of these Kilen springs but what dampers would you recommend? It's for an AWD V70

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/pro ... ts_id=3829

Cheers.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Sep 2009, 02:30

Welcome to MVS,

It all depends on what you are after and what tradeoffs you can stand. Any upgrade that improves the handling is, almost by definition, going to have a harsher ride. For the ultimate choice between the two ends of the spectrum the Koni Yellows are about the best going. They are adjustable so that you can pick the best compromise point. The bad news is that they are very expensive. A full set of Koni Yellows would cost more than I have paid for any of my 850s.

Bilstein has a couple of options, the Touring Class and the Heavy Duty. The Touring Class have a slightly harsher ride than the OEM Sachs/Boge components but the handling is much improved. The Heavy Duty struts are at the far end of the Harshness vs. Handling scale. They handle great but they will challenge your dental work.

If you want to get really good information on spring and strut/shock information contact Lucky at IPD. He has forgotten more about Volvo suspensions than I will ever know. IPD has a link at the top of the page and I think you can direct an inquiry directed at Lucky off of the home page. I don't have his direct email address.

...Lee

Beck · Post by **Beck** » 05 Sep 2009, 07:56

Thanks you.
I understand the tradeoffs of sport suspension and have researched Konis, Bilsteins etc the problem I am having is....

I cannot find a Damper that is compatible with AWD V70's !!!

I know they exist because I have seen an R AWD driving around, what I am looking for is a set of dampers that I'll be able to use with my Sport springs so I can get a lower ride height and better handling.

help, thoughts, ideas much appreciated!

Post by **JRL** » 07 Sep 2009, 11:03

NO ONE makes an aftermarket rear shock for ANY AWD Volvo.
(Fronts are all the same)
There are ways to mount a rear Nivomat on an R so it can be dropped
You may or may not have those.
You may want to ask this on www.V70R.com

Beck · Post by **Beck** » 08 Sep 2009, 05:22

JRL, please stop following me. You have responded in like on another forum, I am aware of your opinions.

no need to virtually stalk me.

FYI, Heico makes a full sus kit for AWD.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 08 Sep 2009, 08:35

I don't think JRL is stalking you Beck. Think he is just trying to help you out. Also, he is right about the AWD Volvos and aftermarket suspension.

Beck · Post by **Beck** » 08 Sep 2009, 17:04

FCPGroton wrote:I don't think JRL is stacking you Beck. Think he is just trying to help you out. Also, he is right about the AWD Volvos and aftermarket suspension.

Agreed, I don't think so either...chalk my comment up to early mornings before the coffee is ready.

incidentally, I just got an email from PFS Parts and they are certain that a set of Kilen springs and Bilstein B8 dampers will work on an AWD.

could this be true?

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 09 Sep 2009, 07:43

I have never heard of them working but you never know. Try them out and let us know. If they don't work, you could just return them.

nicomambo · Post by **nicomambo** » 24 Jul 2013, 02:35

Reviving this old thread.

I checked out the current prices for an 850:

Bilstein Touring $381
Koni Str.t $496
Koni yellow $580
Bilstein HD $661
Koni FSD $677

I've read some decent reviews on the touring, but not much on the STR.T. Any feedback on them?