Any good posts on strut/shock replacement choice? I need to replace front brake rotor/pad, sway bars, rear springs so i (meaning mechanic) was going to do front struts and rear shocks as well ... i was going to go with bilstein touring .. are they ok?

Things i am looking for if i can get them
- increases road clearance
- softer suspension
- no more squeaks and thuds when i go over uneven pavement

My car has 160+ and the suspension has never been worked on except alignment.

You will actually get a smooth ride from Bilstein HDs. New shocks handle the pavement imperfections much better than stock.

Get new rubber spring seats for an XC90, they fit and last longer than the 850 seats.

Get new nuts/bolts from a dealer, more expensive but the ones from FCP don't look like they will last - lots of torque on these bolts.

Also get new rear shock seats.

Use PBBlaster on all nuts that you are going to remove.

The ABS sensor on the front struts: If it is plastic, the center has a plastic push pin which needs to be pushed out before removing. Don't loose the pin or break the plastic.

Klaus
--
Praying for Cynthia Amendt, heaven bound

Are the bilstein touring not a better ride (less harsh)?

Actually the TC's are very soft, like Monroe. The HD's will absorb the tar strips better and not allow the front end to dive when braking.

The HD's will feel softer than your current worn out shocks. But, it is your call.

Klaus
--
Cynthia Amendt, RIP