I just swapped out my Shocks/Struts to Bilstein HD. Much to my surprise, one of my rear shocks clearly says "Boge Nivomat" right on it. I didn't think I had Nivomats.

It was riding kind of high before . . . but now seems about right. I can't help wondering if maybe someone retrofitted the Nivomats into the car and that's why it was riding a little high? Anyone have any experience here? I seem to recall hearing that the Nivomat wagons were spec'd with a softer spring out back to allow the Nivomats to do their trick and that you couldn't just "swap them out" . . . but that's what I just did.


Anyone have any thoughts on running Bilstein HD up front with Nivomats out back? Bad idea??

Since you mentioned you have different shocks used on your car, have you noticed if the front sits higher than the rear? It may be possible that the Bilstein can be a bit higher or lower than the other. By the way, I bought my Bilstein shocks at a discounted price in http://4wheelonline.com

The HD's should have raised the front 1/2-1 inch. The self leveling Nivomats should have lasted much longer than the front struts. You are correct, the rear springs are much softer in the rear than springs with regular shocks. I am even surprised that they fit the mount. Nivomats have a much different mounting bracket than normal shocks.
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My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.

It depends on what you are after. If you put standard shocks on the rears you need to change the springs. The ride is going to much rougher with the HDs than with the original shocks and struts - it should handle well though.

I'm not sure how HD struts on the front and nivomats on the back will behave. My guess is that it would be a bit erratic and unpredictable in the handling department.

...Lee

Improving the handling was my goal, I live in the mountains so the stock handling on the twisty turny roads was a bit disappointing. I may yet spring for some sway bars.

The ride height "looks right." I can't detect a raise in the front with my eye but that certainly doesn't mean it isn't there. The Boge Nivomats were bolted in just as the HDs bolted in. Obviously, the HDs are a bit narrower in diameter.

So . . . if it looks right in terms of ride height should I be worried about anything else? It seems to be driving well, and ride heights look fine.

greg

Find a nice large and empty parking lot. See if you can induce oversteer by driving in a large circle at ever increasing speed. Try a few low speed zig zags and check out the feel. If it is raining, that is even better!
Make sure you have tested with and with out TRAKS if your car has it.

Remember, when you carry a heavy load your headlights will light up the sky.
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My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.

>>So . . . if it looks right in terms of ride height should I be worried about anything else? It seems to be driving well, and ride heights look fine.<<

My biggest concern is that the delta links do dynamic rear steering with the rear wheels. The rear steering is primarily a function of the load from side to side (sway) on the rear suspension. The more it trys to sway the more the rear wheels steer. Of concern is that the front of the car plants real well but the rear steering outruns the front steering in a turn. It could create a sudden and severe oversteer condition. Oversteer is the same as loose in NASCAR parlance. It is the kind were you never see the wreck because you are suddenly going backwards.

...Lee