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I'd second everything MattB wrote--and your comments too, TW--with an added comment about overload springs and my "shocking" experience.
The '80 245 I bought in 2000 had 123K - the previoua owner (since almost new) had installed O'load springs to tow a pop-up camper. I don't know what he put in the front--but they are still good at 270k. I was unhappy with the o'load springs for normal driving--they seemed to overwhelm the shocks. I replaced those shocks (don't recall the brand) with Volvo 245 shocks which behaved the same way. A used set of yellow Bilsteins took care of the extra bounce. That made the rear too stiff for my liking--wet weather made the rear spooky around turns. Regular 245 springs along with the Bilsteins have been a great combination. I've carried 1400 lbs of scrap metal and the tail didn't "drag". I think it better to shim the springs for the few times a heavy load is encountered. If heavy is your norm--well, ok.
When it comes to longevity - as Matt stated--quality is everything. The original shocks/struts in our 242 Turbo were still good at 213k and I would have taken them but for the rusted bolts. The KYB gas-a-just rear shocks in my original V8 265 are still clean and dry and respond (and will go on the '93 245 V8 reincarnation) the front struts are weaker--all installed when I built the car and have at least 150k on them. I've had a used set of old orange adjustible - not gas - Koni's on my 144S for 10 years. It may take a bit of wincing but spend the money now. -- Dave
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