1998 S70 T5 Suspension

[eaglehawk67]

I have a 98 S70 T5 with 333,000 miles on it. I love this car. The front seat needs to be rebuilt but otherwise is in great shape with the exception of the suspension.

The suspension is gone. I replaced the front shocks at 170 K and a control arm here or there but the entire system needs work with the exception of the steering rack.

I want to keep it a T5 with the performance.

Can someone please help me with this suspension rebuild. I am looking for whatever advice and names of parts to purchase. Thank you!

[shaker_chi]

Before you make any decision about suspension, you have to make a budget. Here are parts I would suggest:

1. The IPD HD sway bar links. Wait for a sale and you can pick up a pair for about $100
2. When you rebuild the front struts make sure you use the heavy duty spring seats.
3. Regarding shocks and struts, I would stay away from Gabriel or Monroe. I had a set of Monroe on my 850 and they only lasted about 25,000 miles. I have 2 s70 T5's and 1 n/a 850. I would recommend the yellow Koni's if you can afford them. The rear shocks aren't too pricy, but struts are. My 2nd choice would be Bilstein touring. More comfortable than the HD's and still firm.

Otherwise, make sure you use original equipment or better with the rest of your set up.

[MoVolvos]

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Volvo's are a Touring Class car and not an Auto-crosser. Even if you were able to create a nice Autocross suspension it will be a Tire eater. The stiff chassis and firm suspension plus Turbo is made for highway and country roads. For everyday driving in town driving it Understeers and does so even on freeway on and off ramps. The following is what I have and would change if the car was worth putting putting more money into:

Current
* Gabriel G57040 ReadyMount Complete Strut Assembly
https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-G57040-Re ... automotive
* Gabriel 69901 Ultra Passenger Car Shock
https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-69901-Pas ... +Car+Shock
* 2003 15" V70 Rims - Removed T5 Rims

Would Change/Add
* 120080 - Rear Overload Springs P80 850 C70 S70 V70 FWD
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/8817/120 ... 70-v70-fwd
* 106238 - Rear Shock Bilstein Touring Class
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5861/106 ... ring-class

The slightly higher rear will produce more neutral steer while the Bilstein will help the front control wallow when pushed hard in corners.

Blessings,

BKM

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If you have the stock 16" Rims and have a nice set of tires you'll find this combination very nice in the street and still very stable on the highway and country roads. The car will be have more neutral steer around sharp corners without sacrificing the overall ride quality.