855t: H&R, Eibach or ipd?

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 28 Sep 2011, 21:56

Hello everyone,
Long time MVS user, first time poster here. Without this site and you all people I cannot afford to own these fabulous machines...so, THANK YOU!

I am shopping for a set of sport springs for my '94 855t. I am refreshing everything front/rear end ...shock mounts, a-arms, inner/outer tie-rods, sway links...you name it. I chose oem Bilsteins on all four corners. And here is what I am looking for in the new springs:

1. lower the wagon for a bit more aggressive stance,
2. better performance all around,
3. and last not least, sacrificing the riding quality as little as possible (...meaning, if I can help it, I don't want to hear my wife on the passenger seat say "what did you to the car?)

I have been searching and reviewing on past postings/discussions here and other sites on this subject and I find them very confusing. It seems though the opinions are very wide spread and are very hard to refer from any of those discussions. With pairing up with Bilsteins, in your opinion, which brand of Sport Springs will fit my needs?

Also, here are some of the thing I gathered from reading other threads and made me question. Can you confirm these comments? "Bilsteins will actually raise the 850, so by mating any lowering springs with them, it goes back to the original height." "ipd's will drop the most and gives the most harsh ride comparing to Eiback and H&R." "Eibachs are stiffer than H&Rs." "H&Rs are soft."

Thank you for your time.

TonyMastodon · Post by **TonyMastodon** » 28 Sep 2011, 22:52

Wish I could help, I have to ask the same question about my v70R. But hope someone can point you in the right direction!
oh and lets see a picture of the 855

Post by **IVIUSTANG** » 28 Sep 2011, 23:11

Your pretty much dead on with all the research you've stated firebrick. Since you already picked out the bilsteins I'd say your in a bit of a pickle trying to meet ALL of your criteria. Personally I would put Boge struts in with H&R springs for a softish ride and lower centre of gravity; a definite handling improvement over stock.

- Jesse

Post by **erikv11** » 29 Sep 2011, 00:28

You said you chose "OEM Bilsteins" but actually OEM was/is Boge. Did you choose Bilstein or Boge?

If you chose Bilstein, was it Bilstein TC or Bilstein HD? Those are very different struts. Let people know so they can comment intelligently about strut/spring combinations.

Some of those front end parts you should only buy OEM not aftermarket if you want any longevity from them, be sure to check that out. Sounds like the car is getting a great refresher!

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 29 Sep 2011, 00:52

my '97 855R was delivered to me buy a man who did it all right! So right in fact my wife would not ride in it! Loud exhaust, H-a-a-a-a-r-r-r-r-r-rs--s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s--h-h-h-h-h-h-h--h RIDE! So low it scrapes the front spoiler in and out of driveways, parking lots, etc. So!! Compromise (final): Replace springs and struts up front, same in the back. We went with Bilstein struts (Touring) and stock wagon springs and seats. I love the feel of the Bilsteins and she is fine with the stock springs (minus 2 inches of spring height!!) Noise was handled by removing the 3" IPD total exhaust system (stainless) and putting it all back on with a very nice silencer with next to no backpressure. I creep into our neighborhood at night! Rethinking the muffler. Research process may go on until next Spring. I'm open for any componeents that go behind the cat. I have the pipe! I want only ONE device. No resonator, just something (inoffensive) that will get the exhaust gasses from the turbo out to the exhaust out with the least resistance and "nice" to hear, Like Justin's t'5!

Post by **Juan62** » 29 Sep 2011, 06:39

Go to the Performance forum on this site, lots of write-ups and pics.

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 10:28

SimLyons wrote:my '97 855R was delivered to me buy a man who did it all right! So right in fact my wife would not ride in it! Loud exhaust, H-a-a-a-a-r-r-r-r-r-rs--s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s--h-h-h-h-h-h-h--h RIDE! So low it scrapes the front spoiler in and out of driveways, parking lots, etc. So!! Compromise (final): Replace springs and struts up front, same in the back. We went with Bilstein struts (Touring) and stock wagon springs and seats. I love the feel of the Bilsteins and she is fine with the stock springs (minus 2 inches of spring height!!) Noise was handled by removing the 3" IPD total exhaust system (stainless) and putting it all back on with a very nice silencer with next to no backpressure. I creep into our neighborhood at night! Rethinking the muffler. Research process may go on until next Spring. I'm open for any componeents that go behind the cat. I have the pipe! I want only ONE device. No resonator, just something (inoffensive) that will get the exhaust gasses from the turbo out to the exhaust out with the least resistance and "nice" to hear, Like Justin's t'5!

On your 855R, do I understand your posting correct that now you have Bilstein TCs on all four corners with stock wagon springs? How is the stance of the wagon? Do you have pictures of your wagon to share? I would love to peek at what my wagon may look like with the same set up. Thanks!

firebrick · Post by **firebrick** » 29 Sep 2011, 10:33

Thank you all for a prompt replies. I need to make things clearer or corrected. I have "Bilstein TC" shocks and bought struts from a Volvo dealer (they are getting shipped and now I know they will not be Bilsteins, thanks!). I assumed that the Bilsteins were OEM... I am curious then, how would Bilstein TC match up with "OEM" struts combination? OEM meaning Sachs or Boge? Would they compatible in "softness"? As you mentioned, Jesse, "softish ride and lower centre of gravity; a definite handling improvement over stock" is exactly what I am looking for.

As for the suspension components, erikv11, they are all OEM, including XC-90 Spring Seats!, except for the sway-bar links. I am pretty excited to complete this project.

Post by **erikv11** » 29 Sep 2011, 11:56

You will be very happy with those suspension parts on the car, good move. OEM struts are Sachs/Boge, I think they are the same thing.

I have Bilstein TC shocks and struts on my wagon. I would say TC is slightly firmer than the originals. You probably already read that. I would expect the two two match up fine (TC rear, OEM front), they are overall pretty similar. But it may be harder to find a spring recommendation, people don't usually mix. My car has standard springs on the front and "overload" springs on the rear, both are standard height, so I have no insight to offer about lowering springs.

Post by **JRL** » 29 Sep 2011, 12:13

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