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Struts--which do you prefer 850

posted by  Jack43 on  Fri Jul 15 03:54 CST 2005
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last visit: Thu Oct 25 15:39 CST 2012
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I'm getting ready to replace struts on my 96 850T (sport suspension, 105K miles). I've read a lot of the posts on various struts, but would like some fresh input. My driving habits: not a racer, don't push the car hard usually(got 90K out of my front pads and rotors), but do like a firm (not kidney killing),flat-in-the corner ride with precise control as I do a lot of mountain driving. I'm also considering the IPD sway bars...

I'm not about to pay for Konis but cost of Bilstein HDs is not an issue. Have read conflicting posts on quality of Bilstein TC. I'm concerned that the HDs might be too stiff, but have read confliting opinions there, too--I do a lot of driving on reasonably smooth freeways.

Going to do this myself and would rather not go through the effort only to be disappointed. So, your thoughts on Bilstein HD or TCs, or the Boges?








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    Struts--which do you prefer 850

    posted by  jthorner on  Sat Jul 16 04:56 CST 2005
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    last visit: Mon Jan 4 04:02 CST 2010
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    I replaced my originals with Boge Automatics at the front and KYB shocks at the rear. I would get KYBs all around except that KYB does not offer the struts.

    I have about 80k miles on the KYBs and 20k miles on the Boge struts and am very happy with the result. Good ride and handling. The KYBs shocks went on early in the vehicle's life to replace leaking original shocks. They really improved the rear suspension performance, which IMO is a weak spot of the factory version.

    John







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    Struts--which do you prefer 850

    posted by  someone claiming to be NateB on  Fri Jul 15 20:00 CST 2005 [RELATED]

    Best combination IMHO is:

    1) Koni Sport Adustable Struts in front
    2) Bilstein HD shocks in the rear


    I keep my Konis at max firmness - ride is firm, not too harsh at all.



    Best money ever spent on my 850 turbo were the on the Koni struts - big ride and handling improvement.







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      Struts--which do you prefer 850

      posted by  MadeInJapan on  Sat Jul 16 02:35 CST 2005
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      last visit: Sat Oct 2 06:34 CST 2010
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      Wondering if you changed the springs or stayed with the originals?
      --
      1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon








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    Struts--which do you prefer 850

    posted by  dick on  Fri Jul 15 04:24 CST 2005
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    Jack:

    Just installed a set of Bilstein HD on the little 94 850 wagon and they feel nice. Of course I have been biased toward Bilsteins for a long time. Son and son-in-law have them on their S 70's too. One has the IDP sways and the combo is very nice. My opinion is they should handle the Utah mountains beautifully.

    dick








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      Struts--which do you prefer 850

      posted by  MadeInJapan on  Fri Jul 15 14:09 CST 2005
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      last visit: Sat Oct 2 06:34 CST 2010
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      Just installed the Bilstien Touring...very very pleased with them. I have the IPD anti-sways on the front and back too and they're a good combo. Highly recommended. For best pricing, check out www.shox.com
      Good luck whatever you decide.
      --
      1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon







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