Is a 1993 850 GLT with 118,000 miles due for new struts a shocks. The roads are so bad now in our area of California its hard to tell. The ride is very jolting over small bumps but ok on freeway over gradual dips. I've had the car since new and like the stock suspension. Any suggestions? Thanks.

David,
I don't know where you live, but give IPD a call on their 800 number. Make sure you have your VIN handy because the 1993 has different parts depending on date of manufacture. Tell them about your driving habits (speed freak, grandma, easy chair) and what you want to feel from the road, and they will suggest what to put on your car. IPD will be very honest with you, they are really good to do business with.
If you are not going to DIY, take the IPD suggestions to your mechanic and ask if they will order those parts and install them.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

You have 118K on the stock suspension? Your shocks are toast, along with the strut mounts, and the sway bar links. The control arm ball joints and bushings are also probably quite crisp. Get replacement sway bar links from IPD, they last much longer than OEM. Bilsteins are an excellent choice, HDs are a bit stiff, TCs are like stock. Avoid ScanTech parts at all cost, pos.

Does the front of the car rise under hard acceleration? Your motor mounts are also nice and brown & ready for butter.

Good luck.

I replaced the rear shocks on my 850 this weekend (1995 854, 163K miles) in a futile effort to improve the ride quality. The original shocks that I pulled off were just fine and there is no perceivable change in ride quality with the new OEM replacements. I probably won't do the struts now until it starts bouncing on the springs or clunking like a 240 suspension does when the struts go bad. For some reason I figured that the 850 setup masked this condition.

I will agree that at that mileage the sway bar links and lower control arms are probably shot. Mine were at 120K.

--Will
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850 / Mini

Some on this board have liked Bilstein Touring struts/shocks. Slightly softer than stock, but with plenty of control. The HD will lower the ride by 1/2 inch and are quite firm.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

Klaus - Thanks for the tip. I was thinking of calling IPD as you suggest. The local dealer just went out of business, but there is a good independent in Santa Cruz CA. Does the Bilstein touring change the ride height or the handling in any significant way. Will driving on worn stuts or shocks damage any other suspension parts or motor mounts? Thanks David

IPD will have those answers for you. Worn struts will cause additional strain on the sway bar links and steering rack. IPD links are much better than OEM.

Klaus
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The 164 has a new home, all I am left with are a 95 854T and a 98 V70R :)

No lower at all. Same as stock.

dick

Suspension is a personal thing. I like a stiff ride and good handling so I go for the HD Bilstein. If you check fcpgroton they have a wide variety of parts and those which are original equipment mfr. You will need new spring seats also and then an alignment. Also check out IPD for parts.

Have fun,

dick