Howdy folks,
This marks my third week of ownership (new to Volvos - and loving it). I already did a shakedown of the fuel injection, wiring harnesses, ignition systems and did many other, albeit cosmetic related projects. I live in Gainesville Florida and so ofcourse i was itchin to go to the beach when it hit 80F. 'Ended up going to StAugustine which is roughly a 200 mile round trip.
That's when I realized my suspension was worse than I thought. To make a long story shorter, I am replacing many of the front end steering bushings, tie rod ends, balljoints, and most importanly the wheel bearings with the help of FCP. The suspension is shot though, as thought the struts and shocks were blown. You can tell just from pushing down on the car with your hands AND the car is all over the road anyhow what with wheel bearing play at 1/2 an inch.
THE problem is i have to visit my parents in Punta Gorda which is a 500 mile roundtrip trip on I-75 where I expect to see speeds of 70-80+ mph! I will be going in the last week of April so I have some time to adress issues.
Here's my question: although I plan to get Bilstein TC's and the TME coils from IPD. My budget (poor student) only allows for the struts (only-no new springs) to be upgraded to new ones. Is this ok? Provided I'm not gonna do any SCCA style driving, can I get away with leaving the rear shocks and all the springs in place? I'd really hate to rent a car.

--------Thanks in advance for your wisdom and advice!!-----------

BTW- If you're familiar with St.Augustine beach. <<>>, It's 4x4 territory as I found out the hard way. Needed a tow from a F-150 (oooh yuck) but I guess a full tank of gas 36 psi in the tires and a trunk full of beach stuff doesn't help in the sugary sand either. happy bricking!