Anybody got Scan Tech heavy-duty coil springs on your wagon? I know I've seen 'em mentioned here, but can't find the posts... and I have questions...

I got a set of these from FCP and installed this weekend. I was expecting that the rear end would be a bit higher, and firmer (ie harder to push down on the bumper). Instead, the rear is lower (26 1/2" vs. 26 3/4", measured at center of rear wheel arch), and seems bouncier when pushing down on the bumper.

Does this match your experience with these springs? I called FCP & they are "researching"... will call them again tomorrow. The springs they sent were labeled with what they said are the correct part # (Volvo #1359710; Scan Tech # 66110)... perhaps the two springs were mislabled? seems unlikely but who knows.

Here's a photo of one of the new springs, next to one of the old ones, which to the best of my knowledge is stock, and original.



TIA,
Brian '93 945T 107,500

Not ST's, but the iPd overload springs I have on my 745 were only a tad bit shorter - not like the 2-3" as it seems in the pic. They definitely are stiffer, though, as a couple-hundred load didn't sink the back like the original springs.

I didn't notice a loss of ride quality.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

I put them on the same car ('93 945T). Like yours, mine were also shorter than the ones I took off. (The old ones wouldn't fit in the box that the new ones were shipped in!)
I'm not sure about final ride height. I was looking more at how the rear height compared with the front. And I changed the front springs at the same time.

I'm very happy with the ride, but I also changed my shocks. Did you do the same?

Jeff Pierce
--
'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

Aha! thanks for the info.

I only changed the rear coils... I still have what appear to be stock/original rear shocks, front strut inserts/springs. Hard for me to judge change in ride quality because I also put summer wheels back on last weekend, too.

I'm thinking about testing the sag factor by loading up the car with heavy stuff; only problem is I've got to carry it all down from my 3rd floor apt... then back up again! Oh well, it'll be a good workout.

- Brian

Here's a better idea than lugging all your stuff down 3 flights. Set a 6-pack of beer in the way-back of your car. Then lure a couple of friends over with the promise of free beer. When they climb in to get the beer, close the hatch on them. In the amount of time it takes them to finish the beer, you'll be able to drive around a little and see how the car handles fully loaded.

Seriously though, I would change the shocks -- it will make a huge difference. I would also recommend new front springs and shocks.

Jeff Pierce
--
'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)

I like the suggestion ;>

Rear shocks will go on the "short list"... changing the springs was a piece of cake so I'm confident the shocks will be quick work. I also want to take a really good look at all my rear bushing - my pinion seal was leaking for a while, so everything back there got pretty well bathed in gear oil for a couple months.

For front springs & struts, I need to decide if I'm up to the job, or have my mech do it... I did ball joints & cone bushings last fall, but spring compressors scare me a bit!

- Brian

I think it's wise to be cautious when working with spring compressors, but there's no need to be scared. When used properly, they're quite safe. In my opinion, the most important rule when using them is, "Don't rush."

You're right about changing the shocks -- it is a breeze. FYI: the top bolt for the rear shocks is accessed by removing a rubber plug in the wheel well. (Like a moron, I assumed it was accessed from inside the car. So I wasted an hour removing interior parts trying to get at it -- of course to no avail.)

Good luck,

Jeff Pierce
--
'92 Mercedes 190E (my daily driver), '93 945 Turbo (a kickass family car), '53 Willys-Overland Pickup (my snow-plow truck/conversation piece)