I think it's time for new front struts on my 96 965. Does anyone know if these are replaceable cartridges? Any opinions on best source and brand to retain stock handling? And finally, anyone have an opinion on the likelihood of finding worn out strut mounts when I go to replace struts. Thanks in advance for any thoughts/input.
Richard
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86 740T/87 745GLE/96 960 Wagon

To the best of my knowledge Volvo OEM are the only choice for the front struts on the last of the RWD with Multi-link II suspensions. Mine are showing no signs of wear-out as of yet. How bad are yours? My car however does need to have the rubber bushings on the "banana" arm replaced.
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'96 965 with 16' wheels at 120K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.

I spent a week trying to find something better than stock Boge, with no luck as this car with the 1995 - 98 suspension was not made in numbers adequate for the other companies to manufacture. The only option to stock is Monroe which I think are inferior. All other Volvo models have many brands to choose from but not the the newest 960 and S90

Beemer, according to what I can find there are no options to stock. I just went on the Monroe web site, and when you click through for 1996 960 you get taken back to a page to select 1995 or older. Looks like my options are, well, one. Now it's just the hunt for the best price.
Richard
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86 740T/87 745GLE/96 960 Wagon

Mine aren't bad, but I'm starting to get a little noise out of the right side. It's not the sway bar links, I replaced those a few months back. From what I've been able to find, you're right that OEM is the only replacement for these. My 96 965 is at 129,000 miles.
Richard
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86 740T/87 745GLE/96 960 Wagon

I just put Boge Turbo Gas struts on the front and new Nivomats on the back of my 92 965 with 170K. According to IPD the Boge Turbo Gas are a nice upgrade over stock. I like the feel of the new struts and shocks. It's been so long that I don't remember what the original felt like. The Turbo gas models can be had at IPD for about $60 ea. IPD has a number of alternatives for struts and a short explanation of each option and its effect. FCP Groton has a number of strut options as well and are very competitively priced. Another Brickboarder put Monro Sensa tracs on the front of his. Sears will install them free, at least this week. That alone bears serious investigation.

I could be wrong but I believe only Boge (Volvo OEM) struts are available for post 95 960s.
I had Monroe SensaTrac on my 93 960- not bad at all. But not as good as the $37 Bilstein Touring from Foreign Car Parts.
I checked the Sears site for CA. Installation is 50% off with Monroe struts.

Dan

I think you're right about options, Dan. There are no listings anywhere for Monroe post 1995. So far, it appears the only option is Volvo original, cheapest price appears to be Groton at $103 each. Dealer is $133.
Richard
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86 740T/87 745GLE/96 960 Wagon

Strut mounts do not appear from the boards to be an automatic replacement item.
But if you are up in there why not?
The cost of realignment should cover them.
I have used the dreaded ScanTech mounts. (Made in Korea) They look like the originals and have so far performed as they should.

Dan

FCP Groton sells the Volvo OEM strut assembly for your car for $103. I imagine the dealer is considerably more.

Look here: http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo700shocks.htm

Jeff Pierce
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'93 945 Turbo ( one kickass family car ! ), '92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece -- sold to a loving home), '85 Jeep CJ-7 w/ Fisher plow

The strut cartridges are not seperate. I bought Volvo OE units from Borton at a very good discount.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 071,245 and 1995 964 154,100

Check out stopshopanddrive.com for a great comparison of shock options.

I have used the Boge Turbo gas with great success.