Lifting a '99 V70 Xc?

KKiwi · Post by **KKiwi** » 04 Oct 2021, 18:42

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums and I've just bought myself a 1999 V70 XC with the turbo and awd. It's an awesome car in incredible condition but I'm really wanting to a lift on it to help tackle the side roads in the mountains near me. I've been searching and searching for a kit, even if it's just some of those lift pucks, but I've only found stuff for years 2000 and up or for the fwd models only. I've only found one other thread on here about lifting one of these years but there weren't any answers to successfully accomplish it. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas or has recently figured something out

Post by **scot850** » 04 Oct 2021, 19:33

There was a thread on this subject recently and I am not sure how that ended. One of the difficulties is the positioning of the wheel in relation to the strut. These Volvos have quite an inset on their rims which only allows a small amount of tire diameter increase (no not rim diameter).

If you start to use larger tires you would have to make sure (obviously) that the tires don't foul the inner or outer fenders as well as brake flexi hoses and spring seats. Using spacers to move the rim outwards loads up the wheel bearings and steering.

I have seen P2 models (2001-07) lifted and I think they used XC90 struts but then you have to watch for axles.

Sorry to not be able to help much on this.

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 05 Oct 2021, 05:25

You’ve got a huge array of NLA rear ended drive and suspension parts in your 1999. Lifting it is sure to end up causing a big kerfuffle.

KKiwi · Post by **KKiwi** » 10 Nov 2021, 16:52

Figured I'd post on this thread instead of starting a new one up. Scot, you had mentioned there's little room for larger tires on my car. I'm needing new tires and would love some all terrains because of where I live but the nearest size I can find A/Ts in is 205 70r15. The current tires (I'm guessing stock size) are 205 60r15. Would the new A/Ts be too wide or tall to fit my car without rubbing?

KKiwi · Post by **KKiwi** » 10 Nov 2021, 16:54

Scratch that, only one of my tires is a 205 60r15, the other three tires are 205 65r15... And they're all different brands....... So either way I gotta get new tires asap

Post by **scot850** » 10 Nov 2021, 19:48

Volvo changed the recommended tire size at one point on regular V/S 70's due to claims of sidewall blow outs. The standard size for your car should be 205/65/15 tires.

If you are not changing the width of the tire then that should be OK. What you need to check is how much higher The tire is and then half the difference.

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

This website helps to figure this out. The difference in height of these tires in a 65 and 70 sidewall is about 0.8" or just under 0.5" from the center of the rim to the outside of the tire.

The issue you will likely hit is the tire may get too close to the bottom of the lower spring seat. It does sit quite close. Even if you do have the space, you have to watch how much more the sidewall may flex on a chunky tire as it may catch on the inner fender or even the outer when turning. Best to see if you can find a tire shop with the tire size you want and see if the can fit one and make sure it clears everything.

That tire difference you currently have could wreck the AWD system. These early cars do not like size differences as it can damage the angle gear and viscous coupling unit.

Neil.

Post by **BlackBart** » 11 Nov 2021, 14:44

Lifting a '99 V70 Xc?

Too heavy. Don't try it, you'll hurt your back.

Post by **abscate** » 11 Nov 2021, 15:22

Unless you get a v70 LTE model