i replaced my rear shocks a few years back with kybs, and left the previous owner's sears heavy duty's on the front wheels. in general, the ride is pretty crappy over bumpy pavement, and i wonder if this has to do with running a combination of different shocks in the front and rear, or if it's because the 122's suspension isn't all the sophisticated. ipd is advertising monroe shocks, saying that they come close to approximating the 122's original ride, but what was the 122's original ride like, anyway? my 122 isn't lowered or otherwise tweaked. no anti-sway bars or nothing. and i don't do anything remotely like racing - just cruising around for leisure. any suggestions on what shocks to get if you're looking for a ride that doesn't thunk the car every time you go over a seam in the pavement?

thanks again for your expert advice,
f.r.

A 122 with the original type springs and shocks, and bushings in good condition, is really pretty comfortable. They were designed to deal with Swedish roads when most of them were dirt or gravel. I'm not familiar with the Sears shocks, but KYBs on a 122 are too stiff for my taste. I suspect you'll like the Monroes a lot better.

European and Japan shocks are stiff on the compression [in]. and loose on the expansion [out] stroke. American shocks in those days were the opposite. European/Japan cars rode firmly and a bit stiffer than American cars [softer and spongy.]

Monroe and Gabriel made shocks [American style action] that would fit Volvo Amazon and certain Ford pickups and Corvettes. So they are a physical fit for a Volvo but not the suitable action. Installing them on a Volvo will destroy the front rubber bushings in a few weeks, and you'll be rattling metal against metal. [been there; done that]. If your front shocks are Monroe and riding hard/noisy, also buy a complete change of the rubber-spool bushings; they're easier to change than the shocks.

I'd buy KYBs cause both the action and the price are right. Boge, Armstrong are okay too. There's Bilstein and Koni; Both have a choice of actions but are 1. expensive 2. you need to choose the correct action without honest help.

Word was, that Monroe and "Canadian" Gabriels were installed on the Volvo production line. If so, they were specially made for production runs. Monroe and Gabriel know this but aren't telling. This is both good and bad news.

Good news is, Volvos that have laid around for years, have often been because of those shocks and the [easily fixed] damaged rubber front bushings. If I shopped for one I'd look 1. at the front bushings, 2. at the rubber driveshaft suspension pads, 3. the fuse panel. Owners are scared witless of those things, and they sell cheap and fix easy.

Don't see how a shock that is soft on compression is going to "destroy" bushing faster than one that is stiff on comp. Also the bearing surface of the busing is cylindrical so which direction the force is coming from should not change it's wear pattern. Also a destroyed set of bushings in an old volvo is not a sign of a problem, these are normal wear items and need to be replaced once in awhile, like most rubber suspension bushings. Good thing about these is they are easy to do.
--
Patrick, '68 220, '92 Eurovan , '53 PD4104 (highway coach conversion).

Good input.

Which model KYBs fit and ride nice for daily road driving 122 sedan?

Didn't know KYB offered a choice. All I know of is 'gas-adjust'.

Am surprised at response implying engineering design isn't a factor. High frequency of non-running 120s with shot bushings-and-Monroes (painted blue) ought to be noted. And no: bushings don't fail when used as designed.

"High frequency of non-running 120s with shot bushings-and-Monroes (painted blue) ought to be noted. And no: bushings don't fail when used as designed."

Can't believe you actually think this is true. Bushings are replacement items. And I am not surprised that neglected 120s all over the place have inexpensive shocks and blown bushings.... Many of them probably also suffer from; worn out tires and rusted out mufflers/tail pipes, need new plugs, fuel line is clogged etc etc....:) To each their own.

"Am surprised at response implying engineering design isn't a factor"

Of course engineering is a factor....just maybe not your interpretation of it.
Specifically,

1. how shocks were tuned in the 60s in Sweden given that the roads were mostly dirt.

2. whether softer compression would increase wear that dramatically.
For sure if you put a super stiff shock in there there will be less movement/wear, but the point of suspension is to move. I put the poly bushings on a couple of my 120s, and I have to say I like being back on the rubber with my 220, much smoother/quieter.

Anyhow most folks here say they find the KYBs too stiff for regular driving and that's enough for me. I use this board for the collective knowledge, and it has served me well over the years, there are many different opinions here, and we all get to pick and choose.
--
Patrick, '68 220, '92 Eurovan , '53 PD4104 (highway coach conversion).

pay attention to Phil S's commentary others have had the same experience with KYB.
I run Monroes and am happy with them, not the sportiest ride but I have definitely been complimented on what a comfortable ride my car has. The rubber stays down, if I wanted to race this thing I would have a long way to go, still I have a few turns around here were I can set up a nice drift....
--
Patrick, '68 220, '92 Eurovan , '53 PD4104 (highway coach conversion).

I have KYB gas-a-justs on the back of my Amazon and they are HARD. Even with 4 in the car they are still hard. Don't know what the fronts are, they are grey and anonymous, but still work reasonably well. I'd probably go for Konis set pretty soft but they are expensive so will likely buy the Monroes that Brookhouse, the main UK classic Volvo parts supplier, lists as the standard option.
Poly bushing the front inner upper bushes to replace the rubber cotton reels isn't a bad idea. Current replacement rubber ones apparently range from poor to bad as far as life goes, not as good as the old ones anyway.

Hello All,

KYB GR 2's are not mono tube and softer... available everywhere from $18.00 to 35.00 each.

Hope it helps!

greendread

I put the KYB GR 2s (inexpensive) on the rear of my sedan a few months ago after replacing bushings with poly and I like the ride and responsiveness.

What is KYB part/model number for proper KYB GR 2s to fit front/rear of 122 sedan?

What is interchange ie: what other vehicle uses same KYB GR 2s?

(asking parts guys here for Volvo 122 shocks will not help me)

Thanks