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Suspension Questions for 122S Wagon[122/1966] posted by John Purdie on
Wednesday, 13 May 1998, at 2:48 p.m.
I just purchased a 1966 122S wagon from the original owner in Calif.
I have loved the styling of this car for many years, and finally found the right one.
I have some questions.
The suspension is in need of repair, shocks, bushings, straps etc.
When I called IPD they said that the orig. shocks are not available, but I could use the KYB, although he said they are quite a hard (stiff) ride. He also said that some of the rear suspension rubber parts are NLA.
My qustion is how stiff are these shocks, will I be very unhappy for street use only?
How about bushings, can these be purchased at another supplier?
The straps that are attached to the rear axle,are torn, is this a major problem driving the car, until I can have them replaced, for example will the rear end fall while driving?
Also need to know if the chrome rear view mirrors (door mounting) are still available.
Any other advise, parts suppliers, club for this model etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks,
John Purdie
714 903-8364
John Purdie
Re: Suspension Questions for 122S Wagon[122/1966] posted by Mark on
Wednesday, 13 May 1998, at 7:18 p.m.
KYB won't be too stiff. Bushings, straps, etc. are available at RPR (they have a banner around here somewhere). Straps are not a problem unless you become airborne, allowing the axel to fall far enough that the spring might pop out of the socket. If the shock is mounted through the spring on the 122, then it can't actually completely fall out, but still might cause problems. Keep it on the ground until you replace the strap. My guess is that it has been driven for years in this condition.
Mark
73 1800ES
Re: Suspension Questions for 122S Wagon[122/1966] posted by Bob Mayer on
Thursday, 14 May 1998, at 8:02 a.m.
Congratulations on finding a nice 122 wagon. I've enjoyed my 66 122s 4dr sedan for 22 years. Mark & Glenn both offer good advice. Though, as you know, the rear shocks don't go through the springs, you shouldn't have any problems with the broken straps until you can find others. Another source of parts is Volvoworld.com.
When you replace the shocks (by the way, most any auto part store should be able to get them for you easily) you will probably find the rear ones easy and the front ones tough. There is a bottom shock mounting plate underneath each shock that needs to be removed. The bolts holding them are probably rusted badly. With luck, they'll break off. If they've been replaced before, a nut/bolt combination was probably used and now its rusted and will have to be cut. You'll know what I'm talking about once you get working on it. I mention this because it might be tedious and frustrating, but it will eventually come apart and replacing the shocks will definitely be worth the investment of time. Good luck and have fun with your new car!
--Bob Mayer, 66 122s