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Opinions on suspension 850 1995

posted by  someone claiming to be Purple850 on  Tue Mar 18 02:42 CST 2003 [RELATED]

Hello, fellow Volvoheads:
I have a '95 850 Turbo (yes it's purple!) 156K, and I don't think any work has ever been done on the suspension. Everything is shot, and I'm about to replace shocks and struts.
I'm in need of experienced opinions - Boge, Bilstein or other? Ever since I've had the car (bought it at 70K, 4 yrs ago), it's had a relatively rough ride that I haven't been all that crazy about.
And is getting an anti-sway bar installed worth the cash? I'm really tempted, but it's pretty costly.
Most of my driving is highway.
Thanks in advance for your guidance!







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    Check Out Koni Sport Adjustable Struts 850 1995

    posted by  someone claiming to be Nate on  Wed Mar 19 13:11 CST 2003 [RELATED]

    I installed Koni Adjustable Sport Struts on my 1995 850 Turbo sedan in December.

    The improvement in the ride/handling was day and night.

    Best $'s I ever spent on my 850.

    Bilsteins are good- but take a look at the Koni Sport Struts/ The Koni's are adjustable at the mere turn of a knob from soft to extra firm.








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    Opinions on suspension 850 1994

    posted by  kahuna on  Tue Mar 18 04:08 CST 2003
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    last visit: Wed Oct 24 12:30 CST 2007
    [RELATED]

    I put Bilstein HDs on my '94 last weekend. To be frank, I can't say if the ride is better than the original stuff since they had 140k+ and the spring seat had completely failed. I went with Bilsteins based on many recommendations here and elsewhere and I found a good price at fcpgroton. My other consideration was based on an off-hand remark from a tire salesmen when I was asking about their price for Michelins: "why you wanna spend so much on such an old car?" (I went with another brand, but more for geopolitical reasons which don't need to be hashed out here). Okay back to the question: you can get OEM for $85 or Bilsteins for $139. How much longer are you going to have the car?








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      Opinions on suspension 850 1994

      posted by  someone claiming to be Purple850 on  Tue Mar 18 05:43 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      Probably another two years, at least (but the itch for an S80 is getting really strong...)
      Thx!








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    Opinions on suspension 850 1995

    posted by  Brap84 on  Tue Mar 18 03:14 CST 2003
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    Also have a '95 850 turbo with 176K miles. Just did the struts this past weekend and went with the Bilstein T/C's ($126.00 each) Didn't change the springs because they rarely go bad. Replaced the upper strut mounts which were shot. (go with IPD original Volvo mounts)
    Also replaced the control arms a few months ago which have the integral ball joint (unfortunately, not a separate piece on '95's), tie rod ends and connecting links -- I suggest the same for you too. There already is a lower anti-sway/stabilizer bar which connects to the links then to struts. Maybe you are thinking about the upper stiffening bar that attaches to the strut tower mounts. Haven't tried that.

    All being said, the Bilsteins are a stiffer ride than the original Boge's, but handles better. You will never get away from the inherent "hard" ride of an 850. If most of your driving is highway, the Bilsteins are real nice. To smooth up the ride a bit, you could go to 55 size tires instead of 50's (careful on lowering springs if you do this) and I went to a VR rating -- I don't need the Z.

    Oh -- don't forget to get that baby aligned after all the work!!

    Good luck








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      Opinions on suspension 850 1995

      posted by  someone claiming to be Drifter44 on  Mon Mar 24 14:07 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      Which ever damper you choose, be sure to change the upper strut mount. Sure its failed, Volvo has an updated part that I think IPD carrys. Get it locally because the shipping charges will make the parts end up costing more. The Bilstien H.D is an upgrade, stiffer. The Koni is a sport upgrade, use in extreme cornering applications. Should be matched with springs either from Eibach or HD. Also the car should have tires to match this kit v rated or better. Remember the tires act as a secondary spring, the stiffer the tire the harsher the ride. Now a sway bar is not going to change the way the car rides other than its cornering capabilitys. Upgradeing the bars will serve to maintain the cars lateral roll upon entry, middle, and exit of a corner. To maintain a factory type ride quality go with an affordable OEM replacment as on of the other replys stated. Bilstien TC I think was suggested, affordable, relible, good warrenty. I work on race cars for a living and I drive a 850T5R. Late, Drift.








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      Opinions on suspension 850 1995

      posted by  someone claiming to be Purple850 on  Tue Mar 18 05:41 CST 2003 [RELATED]

      Wow - thanks!
      I'm looking forward to getting this done, the car hasn't been handling very well for a while...
      Take care!







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