Hello,

I have a 2007 V70 2.5T, 85k miles. We often take long trips with 6 bikes on top and the car full of kids and gear. The rear end is pretty low during these trips! I also sometimes tow a trailer a short distance with dune buggies on it. The front and rear shocks seem fine and operating well; they are original.

I like the idea of self-leveling suspension and wondered what would be involved in switching to nivomats in the rear. I know that the setup from Volvo is that the spring is weaker with the nivomat, but is it really necessary to change out the spring, or can I just put the nivomat shock in place? It's not a cheap experiment... I assume that changing the spring requires a spring compressor on the V70. (I did change out the rear spring on my old 940, but that is easy peasy.)

Cheers,
Steve

I once had a '68 Ford pickup with a utility body that had air shocks. They were connected bu plastic tubing, and both could be inflated at one time. They were aftermarket parts made by Columbus I think.

They were great, add some air and the truck could be leveled. I never noticed much of a difference in ride when I carried a load.

Thanks! I have been considering looking for something like that. I don't want to compromise the quality of the ride/handling and I don't know what to look for specifically in terms of brand/type/specifications. If anyone has tried it with success, please let me know. I would think that this would be an alternative for someone with blown nivomats too.

Installing Nivomats on your V70 would cost a lot. Two shocks @ $500, and springs @$200, plus a little welding for brackets...

I would look for a set of rear overload springs. Much cheaper would be this from IPD:

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/9427/120730-rear-spring-adjuster-kit

Of course, you might want to consider reducing the amount of 'stuff' you carry on road trips. If you haven't installed the 3rd row seat, make sure the heaviest stuff is in front of the rear wheels.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new

Thanks, Klaus.

I noticed the IPD inserts. Might give them a try. What welding is required to do the conversion?

Steve

IIRC, the shock mount points are slightly different. The springs that go with the Nivomats are softer than normal.
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Keeping it running is better than buying new