I finally had the time and motivation to replace the rear springs today, but I discovered something unusual and I'd also like your input/suggestions.

I bought new springs for the Volvo from Swedish Treasures (www.swedishtreasures.com), and the front springs were a perfect fit, but when I went to replace the rear springs (listed on the website as P/N: 87936 on page 3 of the 544/444 parts), I noticed that the pig tail on the new springs does not have the straight edge like it should. Not only that, but the springs are coiled in the other direction. The tag that came on them labeled them as:

30.6600
COIL SPRING REAR VOLVO
PV
7394410000051
70009


I've taken a few pictures to show the differences. (You can click on the thumbnails to be taken to a larger version of the image.)











As you can see, the new spring is coiled up in a counter-clockwise manner whereas the original spring coils up in a clockwise direction. In addition the spring cup does not seat very well in the pigtail end due to the diameter and the fact that the pigtail on the new spring is not quite "flat" the way the original spring is.



Even when rotated to the point where it seems to fit most snugly, the spring cup does not appear to be seated very well.

I had asked Joe about the springs before ordering them (because I had noticed that the springs pictured on their website did not appear to have the straight end), and he said that he'd sold them to 544 owners who have been using them without issue, but now I'm wondering if perhaps those owners were less observant (and less anal-retentive) when installing the springs?

At this point, I'm thinking that I may have to see if I can return the springs and either find another source for rear springs or just shim my old springs with steel discs to get the original ride height back.

Any ideas, comments, or suggestions?