Hello,

I have two Volvo 245s, one 83 and one 87. Lately both suffer from a sagging rear end with no load. I have heard a lot about the overload coil springs for the rear from IPD and I am considering buying some. I like the idea of being able to add more weight to the car without as much sagging. However, I have also discovered that a few auto parts stores in my area carry "variable rate" rear springs made by TRW, McQuay-Norris, etc., for a lower price and are available in stock.

My question is whether there is a noticible difference in the IPD springs? If there is, I would just assume get them. But if not, I would go with the others. Any thoughts?

Thanks for any replies in advance!!
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Charles Moore
 '83 245 DL 265k
 '84 244 DL 160k
 '87 245 DL 443k

I've had good luck with the Moog Cargo Coils, and a lot cheaper than IPD. JC Whipme usually has pretty decent prices on them I've bought a few sets from them and I got lucky and got one set new on ebay pretty cheap.
They don't effect the ride adversely, but you can load the stink out of them and not sag, even with a trailer.
If memory serves me, they are set to take an extra 350 pounds before dropping an inch, but with the variable rate, you are riding most of the time on the initial load soft section.
I first bought a set of those Cargo Coils about 20 years ago to put on a Pontiac Phoenix that I had a bad habit of loading the seats and trunk and roof down with sacks of feed and bails of hay. Turned that thing into a pretty decent hauler ( too bad the engine wasn't up to the task :-)
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-------Robert, '93 940t, '90 240 wagon, '84 240 diesel (she's sick) , '80 245 diesel, '86 740 GLE turbo diesel, '92 Ford F350 diesel dually

Hey, that's a good thought. Thanks for the info. I have a tendency to load my Volvos up a lot, too, and the cargo coils sound like a good idea. I'll check them out, too. Thanks for your help!!
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Charles Moore
 '83 245 DL 265k
 '84 244 DL 160k
 '87 245 DL 443k

I would go with variable rate springs from a well known brand like TRW, etc. Most of what IPD sells (except for their sway bars) are simply aftermarket brand products from one of many suppliers with a nice catalog description written up. To read IPD's desciption of GMB water pumps you would think they were some rare special thing, while many Volvo enthusiasts prefer the Hepu units.

John

I've used both. Both worked and carried heavy loads well.
I don't have a "golden butt" to be able to perceive particular differences though.

I'd just find the best deal on an overload spring or variable-rate spring that's spec'd for your car and go with it. I'd prefer variable-rate if you can find it at a price you can accept.

I suspect IPD gets their springs from one (or several) of the existing major spring manufacturers. I don't think it will be significantly different from another overload or variable rate spring.

I'm sure the vast majority of their stuff is sourced from such companies. The value in what IPD does is they find what's useful for Volvos and provide it in an organized way. Considering the amount of hunting we sometimes must to do find special purpose items, that contribution is worthwhile. I believe IPD makes their own sway bars; those are good enough that IPD has earned an excellent reputation for them.

May as well change your shocks at the same time, you need to unbolt them to get the springs in if I recall correctly. BTW, you won't need a spring compressor. Just a jack or two and jack stands or blocks. Occasionally the spring's lower retainer's bolt rusts solid, you might need heat or a Dremel-type grinder to get it free. Usually comes off without trouble. Gotta have a half-inch drive socket set with breaker bar; 3/8 inch will not bust those things loose.
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DAMHIK: Don't Ask Me How I Know - - - Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, electric rad. fan conversion, e-codes, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 500 mi/week commute. '89 245 #2 (wifemobile). '90 244 (spare, runs).

Thanks!! Yeah, I had planned on doing the shocks aswell. I have had good luck with a certain type of shock absorber, so I am going with it again. My suspision was that the springs really weren't that big of a difference and probably not worth the wait and extra cost.

I appreciate the input. Thanks again for the help.
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Charles Moore
 '83 245 DL 265k
 '84 244 DL 160k
 '87 245 DL 443k