Volvo RWD 200 Forum

I'm thinking of getting lowering springs during iPD's on-line garage sale next week. Are the adjustable Panhard and torque rods a requirement with them, or could I make do with just an alignment? I'm getting tires installed this week and don't need the added expense so I'd love to get away without them. I have new shocks, struts and bushings already. Or am I just asking for trouble?
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'92 245, Black & Tan, Virgo Mags, 148K
http://myblackbrick.com

I say No to your question.

I ran my V8 for 6+ years with Ipd lowing springs and Boge Pro Gas (or Turbo Gas, whichever cost a bit more) with matching struts and stock torque & track rods.
Fronts and rears still good when I sold the car 100K later

The body was offset a little at the rear with the stock track rod, but not enough to be noticed visually or when driving.

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Bruce Young, '93 940-NA (current), 240s (one V8), 140s, 122s, since '63.

Anyoone know if there's a big difference between the coils offered at FCP vs. the ones at iPD? I know iPD has a higher rear coil and lower front. Not sure about the spring rates.
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'92 245, Black & Tan, Virgo Mags, 148K
http://myblackbrick.com

Before you take your front struts out, mark on the shock towers where your notches on the plate are. When you reassemble it, you should be close. As far as the rear, it would be really nice to do the panhard bar while you are in there, as this will allow you to get the axle centered again under the car. I assume you are going to be putting Koni's or Bilstein HDs in there as well when you do this upgrade? I think you'll find that most other shocks will fail within a year of installation of sport springs. At least that is my experience. You'll have a pretty aggressive looking Volvo that handles nicely if you've got the swaybars, sport springs, HD shocks, and all of your bushings, tie rod ends, and strut bushings in good shape. New torque rods would be nice, but in the interest of saving some cash right now, I'd probably risk going without. You'll find out quickly if you have any pinion angle issues that make the car howl going down the road. As soon as you heal some from the ipd purchase, go ahead and get your car aligned again. It is probably good policy. Good luck!

I've got Sachs Advantage shocks and struts, new in rear, 2 year old in front. Are you saying they'll wear out faster with the springs? Yikes.
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'92 245, Black & Tan, Virgo Mags, 148K
http://myblackbrick.com

I made the same changes that you are doing and thought that I need the adjustable torque arms also. My pinion changed but most of my issues were with the bad trailing arm bushing. Changing the bushings solved my issues. I have the adjustable pan hard rod and the adjustable torque arms and they are going on because I have them and they do have the poly bushings installed. I think my rear end is 1/4 inch off center. My cars handles & drives like it on rails. I do have other bracing also. Greg

That has been my experience. The only shocks that I've had any long term luck with are the HD Bilstein and the yellow Konis. The reason for this is the operating range changes when the sport springs get installed, and the other shocks end up bottoming out and dying. I think the HDs and Konis are valved and designed in such a way that they don't get damaged.