Looking for aftermarket options for improving the rear suspension of my 2012 Volvo XC70 T6 AWD. I am adding towing to the vehicle so I was looking to improve upon the rear suspension of the car.

Had a conversation with a Volvo Dealership and when I inquired on a tow package addon to the car, they stated that the current setup would be fine for it. I find it hard to believe as I just recently put about 100 pounds of tools in the trunk area and the suspension dropped.

With no load the car it is level. When I had 3 young scouts in the car the car suspension dropped as well. I'm figuring that with almost 170k on the vehicle that the shocks, coil springs might be a bit weak. Was looking to go to a heavy duty setup, but have not been able to find anything yet online.

Then, when I gave Volvo my VIN number they did a look up for my car on the shocks and coil springs for the rear and they come up with part numbers that according to several other Volvo websites should not be a fit for my car.

Does anyone have experience in upgrading their rear suspension on their Volvo XC70 P3 Series? Any help on this is greatly appreciated. If you know of where I should look or can get help on this that would be greatly appreciated as well.
I really want to be able to tow with the vehicle correctly without kill it. Looking at towing a popup camper, a 6 x 10 enclosed travel trailer for my sons Scout Troop and put my bike carrier on when I go biking.

Thanks.

New shocks will not help with a load issue, just ride quality.

You might ask another question of the board - Can I add Nivomats to my car?

Actually when I did a search I found that several manufacturers make load leveling shocks!

Do a bit of shock absorber research -

Monroes are in the $150 area

Volvo Sachs Nivomats from IPD are $329 - Although I do not if those can be put on your car.

See my post about my 855R in this thread.

I had air shocks on an old truck, and they worked great.

A weight distribution hitch is a great idea - it uses leaf springs to raise the rear of the car and the front of the trailer = improves steering as well.

Put your stuff in the trailer instead of the trunk - use it to adjust the hitch weight - an ordinary bathroom scale can weigh the tongue for 165 pounds.

My '96 855R wagon had Nivomat shocks that self leveled the car. When I picked up a B16 and a transmission for my 544, the rear dropped 2 inches - within 1/4 mile, the shocks had pumped up to level the car and my buddy was quite impressed!

When I went underneath the car this weekend I was able to get a volvo part number on the rear shocks. Part number 31262151.

I have been able to cross that with a KYB Excel G (349129), a Sachs Super Touring (313756), and a Bilstein (B4 OE Replacement (19-170206).
or of course the Volvo OEM number.

Wondering if the other brands are better?

As far as the springs go I did not find any numbers on them or painted on colors like prior springs from Volvo's have had.

Of course the wagon will dip in the rear with a load, otherwise it will be like my 1995 850 and ride like a go cart.

The VIN does not describe the shocks/springs that are factory mounted, the dealer needs info from the Model Plate. It describes the paint color, options, etc, along with the springs/shocks.

The only way to ensure ride height is always optimal is to have self leveling shocks or air suspension, both of which will pump up after being loaded.

As for a trailer, the tongue weight maximum is 165lbs. The tongue weight must be added to the weight in the rear which includes your 100lbs of tools + heavy kids and camping gear.

Expect the rear of the car to dip at least 1 inch when trailering. Volvo has this recommendation of not exceeding 50mph with a trailer??? I wonder where they live? Do they expect us not to travel on Interstates or out of city limits?

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Keeping it running is better than buying new