855t: H&R, Eibach or ipd?

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 29 Sep 2011, 15:07

After experimenting with 3 different spring sets (IPD lower/stiffer), stock cut 1.75", and completely stock I am not using the stock. The IPDs were just too stiff for my wife's taste and teeth! The cut downs were soft enough but not a great ride. Went to the stocks and paired with Bilstein TC all four wheels, IPD Anti-Sways front and rear, Upper strut IPD HD bar. Best overall compromise. Have to have decent tires, too.

Also, I rarely scrape the front spoiler on those steep dips, parking lot obstacles, etc. Unlike the lowered profile.

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 15:27

JRL wrote:Fair
You will be substantially stiffer in the rear
If you bought Factory VOLVO OEM front struts you can use either H&R (my favorite) or Eibach springs and it shouldn't be all that stiff.
I think H&Rs have a nicer ride than Eibachs
If the front struts are Bilsteins, it WILL be very choppy lowered
The drop is essentially the same but the rear Bilsteins tend to lush it back up a bit so you will have a slight forward rake
After they're installed and you feel the rear is a bit too stiff, you can always buy a pair of Volvo rear shocks and sell the Bilsteins. You should not be out of pocket and if so, only a few bucks if that plus the rears are easy and auick to change
Do not forget to buy new rear shock mounts and bump stops as the originals are breaking now and for a very few dollars why not do it right

Thank you very much for the prompt reply. My wheels are turning even more...

I do like the sound of your comment "if you bought Factory VOLVO OEM you can use either...and it shouldn't be all that stiff." And that makes me wonder if I really need to replace the rear shocks at all. I am replacing the rears just because the rest is getting all replaced. I have not had any problems to speak of with the rear end. I have read somewhere that many shops don't usually have to replace the rear shocks on these cars. My wagon has roughly 145k. During my ownership, I rarely "overload" the cargo or have wagon full of people often. For the most part, back half of the wagon belongs only to my 15-months-old daughter. In theory, if I keep the original shocks, I will not have to mess with the potential "forward rake" and exchanging the shocks again later, I gather. What is your thought? Would I kick myself in the future, if I don't replace all of them at the same time? Thing is, I can still return the TCs or sell them as new at this point.

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 15:50

Thanks all for the postings.

Reading erikv11 and SimLyons' postings, I am almost convinced not to deal with Sport Springs at all. What really is the point of Sport Springs if I can get a similar or better performance results by doing something SimLyons have his set up? May be I need to look into that option. ...Wait, but then, what about the hunkered down mean look I am after?... I have to be honest with you all, as much as I hate to admit but lowering itself has as high priority as performance and comfort for me. (Growing up in Japan, seeing "cool kids" always lower their whatever they drive the very first thing...it is in me, cannot shake it.)

Post by **JRL** » 29 Sep 2011, 15:54

145k???
Rears are 100% shot
You need to replace them

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 29 Sep 2011, 15:59

Speed bumps, those steeply sloped drives that suddenly slope the other way, rough roads, road kill, ... stuff like that. If you like your front spoiler just beware. You might be modifying it quickly and unintentionally! My experience in Japan was pretty flat roads and smooth grades. I'm sure there are exceptions, but with the condition of roads in our country being really deteriorated and not getting better, just be forewarned. Have fun whatever you choose!

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 16:16

JRL wrote:145k???
Rears are 100% shot
You need to replace them

Enough said. Thank you!

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 16:23

SimLyons wrote:Speed bumps, those steeply sloped drives that suddenly slope the other way, rough roads, road kill, ... stuff like that. If you like your front spoiler just beware. You might be modifying it quickly and unintentionally! My experience in Japan was pretty flat roads and smooth grades. I'm sure there are exceptions, but with the condition of roads in our country being really deteriorated and not getting better, just be forewarned. Have fun whatever you choose!

Thank you. I know you have a very good and valid point there. I need to spend more time thinking and decide what to do.

Post by **Juan62** » 29 Sep 2011, 16:28

Since 1999,
I have Eibach Sports Springs and factory (Sach/Boge) on all four. It is now time to change my struts and shocks (all fours). The rears are leaking a bit. The entire or 90% of the suspension will be upgraded by early next year. I am stuck on the new Koni FSD, but not sure for the springs. May go H & R or get new Eibachs. Not sure on the IPD set-up with Koni FSDs.

D_V_ENT850R · Post by **D_V_ENT850R** » 29 Sep 2011, 16:39

Lucky to speed bumps where I used to live we had speed "dips". Same as a speed bump just inverted! Those sucked!!!!!

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 20:08

Juan62 wrote:Since 1999,
I have Eibach Sports Springs and factory (Sach/Boge) on all four. It is now time to change my struts and shocks (all fours). The rears are leaking a bit. The entire or 90% of the suspension will be upgraded by early next year. I am stuck on the new Koni FSD, but not sure for the springs. May go H & R or get new Eibachs. Not sure on the IPD set-up with Koni FSDs.

How many mile interval? Or is not just about mileage? Also, if you would, tell me more about Eibach/oem combination. How happy are you? Why considering H&R? Thank you!

855t: H&R, Eibach or ipd?

Re: 855t: H&R, Eibach or ipd?