Volvo RWD 200 Forum

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Economical brand suggestions for rear springs and shocks (90 240 sedan) 200

I am about to install the rear bushing kit from fcp and started thinking that I will come up with the extra cash to put in the springs and shocks. I have read enough negative press on scan tech so I guess I am wondering what people have had good luck with for the springs and shocks.

This car is my main ride. I am just an average joe who drives back and forth to work everyday. I dont do any hauling or use a trailer. I prefer a smooth ride. (Again this is a 1990 240 sedan)

Oh. I was also wondering if it is stupid to not be doing the front struts at the same time?

Thx in advance!

Dru








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Economical brand suggestions for rear springs and shocks (90 240 sedan) 200

Go with the Sachs Advantage (OEM) shocks. Saving nine bucks a shock isn't worth it. Your time doing the work is worth something so I would stay away from chiepie KYBs. You don't want to do the job again for at least another 100,000mi do you? Perfect fit, original performance, and longevity are worth something.

I have had the heavy duty ScanTech rear springs on my wagon for five years now. Very happy with these springs and I would recommend them to anyone. $43ea from fcpgroton.

mormit
--
02 S40 now my daily! :), 98 V70 T5 new wife mobile-very nice!, 85 245DL 272,000mi V15cam It takes a licking and keeps on ticking








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Economical brand suggestions for rear springs and shocks (90 240 sedan) 200

Actually OEM shocks are oil charged BOGE (I believe) and pretty soft. The Sachs gas shock is a good mild upgrade for about the same price.

And while KYBs are not as good, my father has had them on his 245 for about 70,000 miles and they're still holding up well. The Gas-A-Just KYB shock (misleading name) is stiffer than stock and a great value.








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Economical brand suggestions for rear springs and shocks (90 240 sedan) 200

So when a shock is soft that means that I will feel less crap from the road right? I assume the cost of this is handling?








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Economical brand suggestions for rear springs and shocks (90 240 sedan) 200

Bingo.
Think of a Lincoln Towncar - feels like you're floating down the road on a cushion of air. Nice. But when you go to make a turn you can't feel the road and sort of ooze around the corner. Most of us would trade a little comfort for the sure-footedness of a stiffer suspension.








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Economical brand suggestions for rear springs and shocks (90 240 sedan) 200

From what I've heard springs aren't really a wear item (usually) so you'd be better off just replacing your shocks in the rear and saving the money for the springs to buy some good strut inserts too.

Sachs Advantage gas shocks are what you're looking for - firm but not harsh, and very well-priced.

KYBs are good too - super cheap and hold up reasonbly well.
--
Sean Corron








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Are the rear springs sagging? 200

If not I vote with Scorron.
--
69-145-S ; 71-145-S ; 72-145-E ; 72-1800-ES ; 87-245-DL








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Are the rear springs sagging? 200

The back of the car is riding low which from what I see and read is usually caused by bad trailing arm bushings. Is there a way to see if the springs are actually sagging?








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Are the rear springs sagging? 200

Changing out bushings almost always makes a difference in the right direction. Unlike the front, you don't need to pull everything apart to replace the springs. If you do the shocks & bushings, and then decide later to do the rear springs...it's not a difficult job. If this were the front of the car, it would be another story. Good luck whichever route you take.







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