I keep getting confused between shocks and struts. Which goes in the front and which goes in the back? I know that I need to replace all four corners, so here are some questions. First of all, my car is really bouncy when going over bumps or doing abrupt maneuvers, and it feels floaty when driving on smooth roads (kinda nice but very detached from the road). My car doesn't sag, but I know it needs its shocks/struts replaced because when I do that "bounce test" on each corner, I'd get more than one return bounce. Anyhow, I went to Pep Boys and they have a replacement cartridge for my front. Now, is replacing the cartridge just as good as getting new struts? My car is a 1983 wagon. I plan on replacing all four corners, but I'm going to have to wait til the holiday is over. Will I damage or prematurely wear out any suspension components while driving my car with bad shocks? I don't drive it on unpaved roads, and I don't think my car has bottomed out. I am a little concerned about causing any further damage to the suspension unit or the car itself. Thanks.

Just one other comment. Shocks and struts do NOT support the car. the springs do the supporting the shocks/struts keep you from bouncing dowm the road (which is what you claim you are doing).

The rear shocks are a cake walk, the struts...yes, get help.

On your Volvo there are shocks on the rear axle and a strut assembly on the front. On the rear the shocks are simply exchanged for new units. On the front the strut assembly is disassembled and new cartridges are installed and then reassembled (the rear requires a larger array of tools, procedures, and time). If your shocks and struts need replacement it will effect the ride as you have noted, but it will also effect handling during unscheduled emergency moves by the driver such as abrupt lane changes, swerves to avoid debris in the road, etc. I wouldn't think it would cause undue damage to the rest of the suspension system over the short term. Poor suspension condition has rolled over many cars as well as having littered the ditches after excessive body roll has put a car into an uncontrolable skid. Keep your speed down and drive carefully- and replace the shocks and stuts at your earliest convienience.

Randy

Duck,

Shocks go in the back ... strut inserts go in the front. Strut inserts are usually all you need up front unless the strut or spring is damaged.The rear shocks are very easy to replace DIY ... if you have some basic tools and a little mechanical ability. The strut inserts (front)require some special tools and are best left to a moderately skilled repair person. I would recommend finding a reputable Volvo shop (not a dealership or Pep Boys) that would install the strut inserts and perhaps the rear shocks. I would buy Boge Turbo Gas or Tokico units for all four corners. The shocks and struts places like Pep Boys sell are generally not as good but cost you nearly as much as quality shocks. Driving with bad shocks can cause some problems with tire wear and handling but for a short amount of time it shouldn't be a major concern.

I'd check with shox.com on prices for your stut inserts and rear shocks. Shox has great prices and they carry Boge, Tokico and Bilstein. All very good products. You'll get a lot more value for your money if you go that route.

My $.02