I need to replace the struts and shocks on my '89. I was looking at the KYB's to keep the cost down. Any opinions on these units? I was looking at prices on FCP/Groton and these are the lowest priced ones. I know you generally "get what you pay for" in terms of quality, but my funds are a bit limited right now.

Dunno about the KYBs, but I'm pretty impressed by the Bilstein HDs. My friend's wagon is riding on Bilstein HDs (all corners) and overload coils in the rear. It's a little bouncy, but about as plush a ride as you'll find on a 245. I finally got around to installing the strut inserts on my 765 (I had put the rears in a while back).. so far so good. Not nearly as bouncy, but very flat.. very comfortable overall.

Boge makes a few different shocks, with varying degrees of firmness. I suppose I'd go with those rather than Bilstein Touring, or any of the other less expensive offerings. Many people have reported Bilstein Touring shocks rattle around (either internally or because they aren't the proper size).

I've found that you can get pretty competitive prices from FCP Groton for the shocks. I bought my Bilsteins from RPR, primarily because I'm within driving distance (so I saved on shipping, and save time/hassle with any future service issues). IPD is, as they usually are, pricey.

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alex

Southern Fried Volvo is right. I personally do not like KYB as they ride too hard on long trips. Boge will make your 240 ride original and soak up bumps, but it won't corner as well. Thats where Turbo Sways and Chasis Braces come in. Good Luck!

Yeah, KYBs are quite good for the money; look around for prices (www.shox.com).

What type of ride do you want? (Sporty / Original Feel / Soft but Stable)

Do a search on the Brickboard for KYB, Boge, Bilstein, etc., BEFORE you buy!!! Each is know for various characteristics.

The Brickboard tends to frown on the lowcost Gabriel and Monroe shocks from discount autopart stores. Two years ago, I ignored Brickboard wisdom, purchased a set, and was extremely disappointed. (EXTREMELY HARSH RIDE) Two weeks later, I replaced them with a set of Boge Automatics. (Couldn't afford Bilsteins at the time.)

[[ southern fried volvo '91 240 ]]

I had a set on my '75 Opel Ascona and they were superb. Excellent damping, the gas pressure added a little spring rate, and the lasted over 80K miles. Fast forward to 2004... the rear Boges on my 245 with overload springs were shot, so I tried a pair of KYB's (per ipd's recommendation). I was not happy with the combination (specifically, with going over all the friggin' speed bumps that AZ seems to love) and wound up putting in Bilstein Tourings.

The KYB rears had less than 30 days and 1000 miles on them, and I'd be happy to sell them to you. I paid $80+ for the pair at a BAP store (foreign parts) out here, but if you search hard you can find them for maybe $65 plus shipping on the net. Let me know if you're interested and we can work something out via e-mail.

and wound up putting in Bilstein Tourings.

Be alert for what I call "parking lot rattles", as in blacktop patches at slow speeds. Several have claimed rattles due to excessive upper mount bushing clearance. However, my rattles were internal. And it took a month or two before they started.

I had 3 rears altogether. One leaked after a week on the car, and was replaced by FCP. The other 2 stayed on (rattling) all winter. When replaced with Sachs Advantage (FCP) in the spring, the original was leaking and both had internal rattles off the car.

But in 22 months or so, I hav no complaints about the BT struts.

Do a search on BTs here -- you'll turn up more.

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Bruce Young
'93 940-NA (current) — 240s (one V8) — 140s — 122s — since '63.

I used kyb on my 87 300zx and loved them as for volvo I don't think you will be disappointed.