Friends:
I need to replace the "shocks" on my 1998 v70. I was going to do it all the way around, until I found out that my car is equipped with Nivomat Shocks (cha-ching).
At 350 bucks a pop -- over $700 for a pair, I am reconsidering my replacement strategy. How durable are these shocks? If they were 50 bucks each I'd do it and consider it "cheap insurance" but at 6 times the money I can only hope they last a long time. What is so damn special about these shocks that cost $350 each?

As far as the front struts go, should I by the cartridge or the entire strut assembly? Is the Bilstein Touring shocks a good shock for everyday driving? Are there any other parts I should replace up front?
Thanks,
John '89 240 dl, '91 245 se, '98 v70, '40 ford

The Nivomats are a completely self-contained self levelling system. That's why the price. They are also mated to softer rear springs. this means that if you swap to regular rear shocks, you need to swap the springs to match (heavier ones). I changed my 965's Nivomats at about 140k, on a wagon that was the primary family hauler (for 5 plus big dog), and frequently pulled a small boat. Even then, they were just getting soft, not fully gone. If yo shop around, you will find a pair of Nivo's for under $500 pretty easily. I got mine on sale a couple of years ago for $380/pr. but don't remember teh source. They swap just like regular shocks (pretty easy).
--
Mike Sullivan ('95 855T (88k), '98 V70XC (92k), '95 855 NA (135k). Past Volvo's: '85 744 (256k), '86 245 (165k), '86 245 (195k), '88 745 (208k), '91 745 (196k), '93 965 (147k) .

The Nivomats are leveling, meaning they will try to keep your rear end up (of your car) if you load a heavy weight. You have not said if you need this function. If you do, you'll have to replace them. If you do not, I think there is a hydraulic pump and some other equipment you could remove to reduce weight in your car.

Here's a brief break down of what a Nivomat is: http://volvoxc.com/resources/how-to/pdf/description_and_operation_description_of_principle_of_self-levelin.pdf

Up front, I would recommend Bilstein TC. These are their touring line and offer a nice soft ride. They eat potholes from what I've heard. You'll want to also strongly consider replacing anti-sway bar links and strut mounts. I'm not the only one who'll recommend this either. I suppose we're all a bunch of sheep that way, but you gotta go with what works.
--
'98 XC '95 855 GLT '83 245 DL (245 for sale! e-mail me if your looking to buy); All over 125k miles

How can you tell what type of struts are on the vehicle?
I have a 98 v70 T5. Think the struts are the standards but not 100%

I asked FCP Groton that very question. The secret is in the number on the plate on the left side of the engine compartment (near the battery). The number at the lowest, right-hand side of the plaque is an indicator. They asked for that number and they came back with the news that my '98 v70 had Nivomats. I don't know how to tell and they did not volunteer that information. You can contact your local Volvo dealer or FCP Groton (FCPGroton.com). Let's hope yours are not. They are pricey!
John

Thanks John,

I was told (on another board) that the Nivomats are as large or larger than a coke can at the top of the shock. Haven't checked yet, I will look later today.

I'm going to be replacing my front struts, mounts, spring mounts, bump stops, dust boots, sway bar end links and sway bar mounts.

Groton has a kit on Ebay that includes most of the above along with rear shocks. That's when I realized I had to find out if I had Nivomats.

Hello, Stoutlogic:
I forgot about ebay and checked there but it was not a better deal. I bought Bilstein touring struts and associated components from the FCP website cheaper ($366+$17 shipping) than the garden variety kit on eBay. I don't need the strut mounts, but if I did it would still be cheaper to go to their web site and not through eBay.
John

I have 160,00 on my nivomats and they still seem quite alright. as for the front-Koni's the yellow one's, a bit cheaper then bilstiens and a little rougher of a ride. Nivomats are quite durable, you can really put the weight and the miles on them. Like some one else said- if your not hauling a lot of people and boats or trailers swap out the nivomats and all associated hardware and go with a cheaper unit.