Eric,
I agree with you that the original Volvo shocks are the best option, and, yes, I had forgotten that the Monroes I mentioned don't come with the correct spacer sleeves and that you have to reuse the old ones. However, comparing the original Volvo shocks that were on the car (made by Monroe for Volvo in Belgium) with the Monroes made in Belgium, but without the Volvo name on them, I received from Rock Auto, they appear to be identical. I realize that appearances are deceiving and that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and all that. So, I'm keeping a close eye on the condition of these shocks (going on two years now). So far, they have behaved very nicely, and should they fail prematurely, what the hell, 35 bucks isn't a bad price to pay for a couple of years of use plus tuition. I also realize that, if I were to order another set of these shocks from Rock Auto, they might turn out not to be identical to the ones I received before. That's the risk one runs when buying after market parts.

I like Konis and used them for decades, but unless you race or rally (the magic is in their adjustability), its pretty hard to get your money's-worth out of them with what they cost today. I bought my first set forty-eight years ago and could afford them then on a graduate student's tight budget. Now, in my fairly comfortable retirement, they are out off my financial range. BTW, I had Konis fail on me in four years, but, of course, I don't drive the way and where I used to. ;-) To be fair, other Konis have outlasted the cars I had them on.

Bob S.



Bob S.
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"62 PV544 (B20, M41), "71 142E, "93 240 Classic Wagon.