What is the best alternative to non Nivomat rear shocks?
Is it necessary to also change rear springs?
can you use a heavy duty shock and use existing springs?
I am not looking for race car performance, just a stable ride
and the car not looking like it is always going uphill.

Thanks

You definetly would need to change the springs if you change out the Nivomats. They support some of the load so the matching springs are shorter.

Your 964 has the Multi-Link system so finding new springs will be a problem. I don't know of a source. You might try an "air-lift" vendor to see if they make a kit for the Multi-Link Volvos. It is an air bag that provides auxilary support. I put one in an '85 760 years ago but it was always a problem keeping the right amount of air pressure in it. I wished I had just gotten new Nivomats.

"The thrill of saving a few bucks doesn't last long compared to the satisfaction of a quality solution." Get the new Nivo's!
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'96 965 with 16' wheels at 101K. Had '85 745 Turbo Diesel for 200K.

If you have a solid rear axle then you can convert easily with the nivokit from fcp groton for about 150us. You will be replacing the spring with a stock non nivomat unit. The nivomat spring is pre loaded for the nivomat shock. I researched this conversion and have come to the conclusion that the ride won't be as designed. For 190us each through groton I'll just get new nivs when the time comes. So far they have lasted almost 150,000 miles.
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92 244 lowered, Bilsteins, IPD sways, Unitek cam/header, TSW Revo 18x8's - 94 965 Niiice MONEY PIT! - 76 Datsun 280Z lowered, modified head, cam, headers, intake

Problem with replacing old with new is, I was quoted approx. 700.00 cdn
for just one side. ( Robert Motors Toronto )
Can anyone recommed non rip-off motors in Toronto area?

I have had some really bad experiences with Robert Motors. We had some service that was suppoised to have been done, and they didn't do it. We worked out way to the owner of the deaedlership, Tony Scott Fischer, and he clearly did not care whether we were pissed off customers or not. Run, don't walk away.

In your area BK Volvo in Kitchener is very well regarded. Only 45 minutes away. Volvo Villa has a good reputation, in Thornhill. 905-866-8212 Call the better business bureau first, it is in Kitchener becausee the Toronto BBB closed. Call Volvo Canada at Volvo Canada 175 Gordon Baker Road North York, Ontario M2H 2N7
416-493-3700. Get a list of all the dealerships in canada, and do some price shopping. Good luck!