|
European and Japan shocks are stiff on the compression [in]. and loose on the expansion [out] stroke. American shocks in those days were the opposite. European/Japan cars rode firmly and a bit stiffer than American cars [softer and spongy.]
Monroe and Gabriel made shocks [American style action] that would fit Volvo Amazon and certain Ford pickups and Corvettes. So they are a physical fit for a Volvo but not the suitable action. Installing them on a Volvo will destroy the front rubber bushings in a few weeks, and you'll be rattling metal against metal. [been there; done that]. If your front shocks are Monroe and riding hard/noisy, also buy a complete change of the rubber-spool bushings; they're easier to change than the shocks.
I'd buy KYBs cause both the action and the price are right. Boge, Armstrong are okay too. There's Bilstein and Koni; Both have a choice of actions but are 1. expensive 2. you need to choose the correct action without honest help.
Word was, that Monroe and "Canadian" Gabriels were installed on the Volvo production line. If so, they were specially made for production runs. Monroe and Gabriel know this but aren't telling. This is both good and bad news.
Good news is, Volvos that have laid around for years, have often been because of those shocks and the [easily fixed] damaged rubber front bushings. If I shopped for one I'd look 1. at the front bushings, 2. at the rubber driveshaft suspension pads, 3. the fuse panel. Owners are scared witless of those things, and they sell cheap and fix easy.
|
