Just passing on my latest endeavor with our '89 wagon. I’ve been using Bilstein’s for a long time. The rear 'steins were quit old, and not working so well, so decided to change them.

After talking to a few, I decided to go with KYBs' adjustables. When I installed the stiffer Bilsteins long ago I had reason to do so, but now just want a slightly softer ride but not too soft.

I do have "overload" rear springs and a better/bigger anti-sway bar (all from IPD) in the back (and the front) but I like the ride quite well now.

I may consider KYBs’ adjustable struts for the front when the time comes. Don’t get me wrong, I consider Bilsteins, in general, to be pretty much the best, but wanted to try something different at this “stage in the game".

I know there are many opinions about different brands of schocks, as expected, but I will be developing my opinion by actual trial, and get back to you later on.

While we're passing on 'endeavors', I too, am going to be doing a shock-ectomy on my '92. While I understand that KYB and Bilstein make excellent products, the inner cheapskate in me rankles over the prospect of putting several hundred dollars worth of shocks and struts on a high-mileage car that only cost me $400. In that vein, I'm going to install a set of new Monroe 73950 on the front and a set of Monroe 33273 (or 5868 if I can find them left-over) on the rear at the cost of about $120 for all of them! Actually less, since Monroe is known to give a generous rebate on a set of four twice a year--once in the spring and once in October. Total cost for these products will be less than a C-note. Did the same on the restoration of my '83 Rabbit convertible, and was insanely happy with the results (and the cost). Just a suggestion to those of the more 'frugal' persuasion.

B

I have had and have heard of too many issues with Monroe to ever use them again. I would consider Gabriel's however, someone who has them on his 240 likes them a lot, cost or no.

I'd be intrigued to know what 'issues' you've had with them. I've used them for years without problems.

B

The ones I put on one of my old 240's failed in a fairly short time, which I don't recall exactly. I also cruise jy's for parts and see many leaking Monroe's.
Yes I buy and use used shocks, with no failures of the brands I've gotten so far. These include Bilstein and KYB.

I put Monroe Sensatracs on an '89 240 and they were fine. Fairly plush, but seemed decently made. The wife liked them.

Isnt Gabriel and Monroe the same company these days? Dont expect them to last too long under the weight of a volvo.