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Harsh shocks 850 1993

posted by  someone claiming to be Jim Barrett on  Mon Apr 30 17:02 CST 2001 [RELATED]

About a year ago I replaced the shocks in my low-mileage 850 GLT (42,000) thinking that Bilstiens would give better handling and a better ride. What I seem to have ended up with is a much harsher ride, and as a consequence I am thinking about going to new stock shocks.Will this result in a better ride on rougher roads?

Thanks for any input.

Jim Barrett







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    Re: Harsh shocks 850 1993

    posted by  someone claiming to be billy d on  Tue May 1 04:05 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    Has anyone installed KYBs on their 850 and what were the results, pro and con welcome. I'm thinking of trying them; if not i'll go OEM. I figure most of the time i'm not driving the twisties anyway, nor am I taking corners at 70mph, more like 50, so why bother with bilsteins!?







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    Re: Harsh shocks S70 1998

    posted by  someone claiming to be Ian on  Tue May 1 02:30 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    You seem to have stumbled into the old debate, which is more important ride or handling? In your case it seems ride is more important than handling. That being the case I would say yes, buy yourself a set of OE shocks. The ride is still a bit harsh but it will be smoother than the Bilsteins. For some reason bilstein would have you think that they have found the magic formula to great handling and great ride. The truth is that the ride WILL be harsher with a harder shock, period.







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    Re: Harsh shocks 850 1993

    posted by  someone claiming to be Yo854 on  Mon Apr 30 23:58 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    I have installed bilsteins with ipd springs about a year ago.

    I had the exactly the same impressions with you until this

    spring. After weather warmed up a bit and I put about

    10,000miles on it. The ride dramatically changed and

    the sharp blow from the road irregularities rounded off

    a lot compared with just after installed Bilsteins last year.







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    Re: Harsh shocks 850 1993

    posted by  someone claiming to be Jay-P on  Mon Apr 30 17:39 CST 2001 [RELATED]

    If you plan on buying new ones try monroe

    I just installed new monroe sensatrac and they feel really solid

    and also is not harsh on my ride...

    i picked them up for $200 for both front struts .

    Jay-P







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      Re: Harsh shocks 850 1993

      posted by  someone claiming to be Jim on  Tue May 1 17:30 CST 2001 [RELATED]

      While I have not yet replaced the shocks on my 855 at 76K miles, I have had experience with Monroe Sensa-Trac shocks that I installed on my 91 Ford Explorer. There were installed at the 38K mile point both front and rear. A great improvement over the stock shocks. With the Ford I was experiencing a vibration after going through a road bump that was gone with the Monroe's. I had to replace the front shocks at the 73K mile point because they become very bouncy - rears were ok. The shocks were replaced for free since I had a lifetime warranty. Don't know how this will be with a Volvo, but based on my experience with Monroe Sensa-Tracs I'd give them a try. There a great blend between ride comfort and handling - Good Luck.






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