Hi all,
Thanks for all you responses to my prior posts. My lack of turbo was indeed due to vacuum hoses being routed incorrectly. I could not find a vacuum diagram, and the dealer couldn't either. They ended up pulling up another turbo next to it and copying the routing by sight. My 850 flies now, I just have to watch for the 'torque steer.' Does anyone know if opening up the throttle now and then can negatively affect the transmission? After doing this a few times, the trans seemed to shift a little abruptly during relaxed acceleration.

My mechanic tells me that my upper U-joint is worn, which is pretty obvious when you hit a bump while turning to any degree. They want $695 plus tax for this. From the Haynes manual, it does not look that bad so I plan to try it myself.

Much of my front suspension seems to be worn. I hear and feel a variety of clunks, thunks, and squeaks when hitting potholes or on uneven roads. I'm thinking that at 153K, much of these components may have reached the end of their useful life. I also have some play in at least one strut mount. So I'm thinking of replacing the shocks, struts, and mounts. Does anyone know what suspension the 850R came with stock? There is a replacement kit on ebay right now for a decent price, but I've heard that the 'R' came with stiffer suspension and I don't want to downgrade if that is the case. Has anyone had experience replacing with Bilstein (economy-black?), Bilstein HD (yellow, regular), Boge, or Koni?

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

For axles go to www.raxles.com
FCP Groton has good prices on all the suspension parts, IPD more expensive, but pretty good advice (except on struts--get a different answer depending on who you talk to).
I have never gotten a satisfactory answer on Boge vs Koni vs Bilstein and various driving habits, hope you do.

96 850T 103K miles

Sounds like it is bushing replacement time! They get old with age, not usage. The problem with the bushings is that you will need a press to put them in. Also check the engine mounts, they also tend to get weak.
Your tranny may need a flush, but that is easy.
I am glad to hear you "use" your turbo, and be careful when you kick in the boost when the road is wet and the road turns!!! It can be a handful. But the ear to ear grin always makes my cheeks hurt :)
Your suspension is the "sport" version, optional on other models.

Klaus

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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

On suspension options:

I am the 2nd owner of a 1996 855T with a suspension that is so hard at times I wonder if there is any suspension in the car at all! The car has always ridden this way -- well, at least since 66,000 miles when I got it. I replaced shocks and struts at about 92,000 miles. Better, but still damn hard. Is there a spot on the car where I can see if I've got the sport suspension? I think it is; hard to imagine anything firmer than this. Thanks.

--Dan L.

Except for the original bill of sale, or a mechanic who knows what the spring sizes are, there is no sign on the car that says sport suspension. How is you tire pressure? Run them at 33psi front and 29psi rear. If you have low profile tires (55) then that will also make the ride rougher.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Klaus, I do have 55's on the car and when I replace them -- prob. by the end of the year -- I'll put on some 50's. Thanks for the psi tip. I normally run 35psi all around; can you explain why 33/29 will improve the ride? Thanks.

--Dan L.

The lower the tire pressure, the softer the ride because the tire will absorb the bumps before the spring/shocks wiil. Of course, that will decrease your gas milage and make the wheels more prone to pothole damage.
If you go to 50 tires, better chew lots of gum. The ride will get even harder because there is less sidewall to absorb impacts. Watch out for raised manholes too, your car will ride about 1/2 inch lower.

Klaus
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98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)