Hi all, whilst sitting here thinking about my next move, I was wondering about the best front struts to use on both my 850 and 2001 v70 as both are in need shortly. I thank you for your depth of knowledge and experience. Does the same recipe suit both? V70 is family chariot and 850 is abused by 19 yr old son. Look forward to your thoughts
David

Timely post. I'm heading out to the garage now to replace the struts on my '95 855t. I went with Bilstein Touring, IPD HD spring seats, bearings, bumpers, etc. Everything except the springs. The OEM control arms were replaced with OEM about 5,000 miles ago and the sway bar end links were replaced with IPD HD last year.

I'll let you know how it goes, but this guy makes it look easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uXFqVmxXXg

Erwin

Not difficult to do. It took about 5 hours with interruptions and just taking my time. The Bilstien Touring ride very well. The struts that came out were original with 195,000 miles on them so they and the spring seats were completely shot.

I'll be putting the companion shocks in the rear in a week.

Erwin

Just another few notes of interest. You may want to have an alignment soon after installing new struts. We had some serious toe in wear on the tires due to the change in struts!!!
PS the bilstiens have lifetime warrenty, that swayed us in our decision.
Cheers

I did my 850 with the OEM's and recommend doing so. Note: you should do the rear shocks at same time to get that original ride. I did front first and found it to be still harsh as the rears were bad. Both had original mileage and seemed to wearout together.

Thanks for your input. I think I will go for the standard Sachs which being new will feel like an upgrade no doubt. David

If you want a stiff ride and great handling, Bilstein. Standard Volvo is Sachs which is good. Bilsteins I used are the HD, but they also make a more moderate version.

Have fun, nothing like being your own mechanic,

dick

Bilstein Touring is the more moderate one.

Unless you are into handling/performance the Sachs are probably just fine, plus they are cheaper.

Koni's are adjustable and are probably the best but expensive...:)

--
95 855 GLT Sportwagon 220k, 90 244 DL 300k+ - after 11 years has a new home

Based on my own experience, I'd avoid the touring bilsteins. Either go for the pricey ones or go for the Sachs/Boge. In my experience, the TC structs were a waste of money. Performance on my 940 wagon was way below par - going back to sachs felt like an upgrade in handling.

I'm doubtful that a P2 and P80 platform would use the same struts... but I have not looked into it specifically. There are some overlaps in the mounting arrangements. The XC90 mounts are considered the heavy-duty upgrades for the P80 cars (850, early 70-series) so maybe you'll find they use the same struts.