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So I decided to do the suspension over this winter – bushings, kingpins etc. Question: Does anyone have any experience with non-Volvo shocks. I’m not looking to rally this thing so I don’t need gas or some real stiff Bilsteins – just looking for a nice smooth ride from a quality part. Had a problem with a so called replacement for a 122 some years back - not enough travel - so I'm a little gun shy. If you have an idea, I'd appreciate a manufacturer & part number.
Thanks,
JB
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posted by
someone claiming to be belinda
on
Mon Dec 11 01:42 CST 2006 [ RELATED]
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hi JB,
I believe these are the correct KYB shocks for the rear of either a PV 444 or PV 544 (this is according to the KYB catalog):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170057865687&rd=1,1
You can get them a little cheaper than this price through other distributors. This is a good, reasonably priced shock, so I hear.. My boyfriend has KYB gas shocks on his Mustang "race car" and really likes them.
I am going to get a pair of these to replace my rear shocks soon. I have new Koni's from IPD on the front of my 444, which are pretty pricey.
Don't know about springs.
belinda
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Belinda,
I've got KYB rear shocks on my PV, and I would say that they are definitely too harsh for this car. That's not to say that there is anything wrong with KYBs - just that, in my opinion, the PV is not the right application for them. I check the shock mounts in the trunk regularly to see if the shocks have punched through yet. I have them on my 142, and on the heavier car they seem to work much better. At first I had the impression that they were a bit too firm and abrupt, but after I put Bilstein HDs on my 245, they seem to have smoothed out considerably. ;-)
Bob S.
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hey Bob,
thanks for the tip. Maybe I won't be getting these soon..
What do you think about the Monroe rear shocks? Swedish Treasures is selling them for $93 each, according to their catalog.
http://www.brickboard.com/GALLERY/images/6863.jpg
Also, for some reason my browsing came across these. I wonder if they are the right length tho? Anything else that needs to be considered? Like diameter or volume?
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?pf_id=20416&dept_id=239
belinda
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Just to add to the mix...
I also have KYBs on the rear of my 544 and don't really like them - too stiff.
My story sounds like Bob's, I've used them on my 140s and 745 and they seem well suited for those cars - a firm ride that I like. On the 544, they are just too brutal.
I agree that the 544 is just too light in the rear for KYB units.
Someday I'll change them, but only driving the car a couple hunderd miles a year right now it doesn't seem worth it. Maybe after the kids are grown and I get a chance to play again.
--
Tom - '60 544, '68 220S, '70 145S, '72 144E (formerly my driver, now parting out), '86 745T
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Belinda,
For all I know, the Monroes may be what Volvo sells for PVs, but made in Belgium. I have no idea about the Delcos. Basically my notion is that, if a PV is used for normal street and touring use - not racing or rallying - it doesn't really need any hot-shot shocks: the cars are so light. This, however, is a personal opinion, and others may have a different one, and justifiably so. BTW, I'm not being conservative out of principle - I have ipd bars on my car and like them: many others will argue that's over-kill. I have a sneaky suspiscion that the shocks I found on my "62 PV544 when I got it where the original ones. The dust covers were completely rusted away and the rubber bushings were practically rotted to pulp, but the hydraulic part was still perfectly functional and not leaking.
Bob S.
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posted by
someone claiming to be Erik
on
Sun Dec 3 17:45 CST 2006 [ RELATED]
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Replace the springs too. Made a bigger impact than changing the shocks.
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I replaced the front springs on mine after one of them broke, and the front of the car sat up by about two inches. I think they'd just sagged down after holding the car up for 40 years. Of course, after waiting a while for them to settle down (they didn't) I cut about 1 coil off because i actually like the lwoer look...
I've got the Bilsteins on the front, and like them quite a bit. I got some 'Jamex' (?) Mustang shocks on the rear. Gas pressure, sort of like a cheap knock-off Bilstein design. Dirt cheap, has the correct attachment styles on either end and the proper length, works wonderfully.
--
'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic 245 + turbo
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got a p/n for those Jamex shocks? thx
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No, got them off eBay. I could probably find numbers on them, but those are often not really useful.
But anything from a later model Mustang should work (solid axle, not IRS). If you go to a parts store, just take a Volvo shock and compare measurements. Compressed length, extended length.
--
'63 PV544 rat rod, '93 Classic 245 + turbo
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I’m not looking to rally this thing so I don’t need gas or some real stiff Bilsteins – just looking for a nice smooth ride from a quality part.
In that case, I would just get the original equipment, Volvo shocks. Your meighborhood Volvo dealer should be able to order them for you. Most of "the usual suspects" carry them. Swedish Classics is closest to you. I agree, the after-market gas shocks are too harsh for PVs; of course, that's a matter of personal taste.
Bob S.
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you could try Olof at Vintage Imports that is where I got mine. Or VP autoparts have an extensive line of goods.
Steve
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