Hi all, I am new to the brickboard and a 1st time volvo owner. I just got a 1980 242DL about 3 weeks ago, and want to improve the suspenion since it is all original and a little loose and mushy feeling (and has about 300K miles on it). I have been reading that many people prefer the Bilstein shocks/struts, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Tokico high performance shocks and struts in the Volvos? I have the Tokico's in my 1977 Datsun 280Z, and they are incredible in that car. My next question relates to rear springs. I was wondering if the rear coil springs from a 245 wagon are stiffer than those in a 242 or 244, and will they bolt into the 242? Last, what is the best source for polyurethane bushings for the suspension? I am on kind of a tight budget (3 cars to maintain is enough to keep anybody on a tight budget), so any tips on how to improve my suspension for the least amount of money would be greatly appreciated.

Billy McCaskill
1980 242DL (mostly original)
1977 Datsun 280Z (with chevy 383 engine!)
1967 Ford Fairlane 500 2dr sedan (all original, 49K actual miles!)

Check FCP Grotons ebay auctions for a some great deals. I bought all the part for my front suspension rebuild from their ebay auctions and have been very happy with the quality of the parts and the way they fit like a factory part. Good Luck!

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 124K --> BW55->M46, CLS, IPD Sway, 81+ Dash, Gauges, Next: FLATHOOD

1979 262C B27F 159K --> Restore Project w/Possible B21FT

1984 245DL 213K -->Wifemobile

Sounds as though yoou have a good handel on suspension uprades, beefing up the Datsun. If you like those shock/struts...go with it. As far as rebushing....the other post are right on target. Find a set of turbo sways, and new rubber (bushings), ball joint, etc., and you'll think you have a new "Brick".

Best place for parts...FCGroton, IPD USA, Volvo World (changed name..see their banner on this site)....shop around, there are a slew of good sources out ther. As always, you get what you pay for....some where in the middle $$ wise is usually a safe bet.

Enjoy...

Twoforty

Grab some turbo sway bars the next time you're in the junkyard, if you get the chance. If you're certain that the problem with your suspension is the springs and struts/shocks alone, not the sway bars, then this advice doesn't apply, but to me, the original (21 and 19mm?) sway bars made *my* suspension feel mushy (at least compared to the 25/22 setup--from ipd, not a turbo--I have now).

The turbo bars are like 23/21 or something like that; they're thicker than the stock bars, and they're extremely cheap when gotten yourself from a junked Brick when compared to the ones ordered from ipd (though I thought it was worth it).
--
'89 244 GL--25/22 ipd sways, Volvo truck amber turn signal lenses

Thanks for your reply...I feel certain that ALL the suspension components are rather tired after 300K miles. I will look for the turbo sway bars next time I hit a junkyard, as I am sure that they will go a long way towards firming things up some, but i think my greatest need for now is going to be the bushings. Every bump i hit, I can hear the control arms clunking, and the car has a very vague and imprecise feel (very similar to the way my Datsun felt before I entirely rebuilt the suspension in it).

Billy McCaskill, 1980 242DL, 300K miles

Yeah, bushings and balljoints would do that to a car. iPd has bushings in poly i think... www.ipdusa.com Give it a whirl see whatcha find. If you don't find what you're looking for you can always give them a call and they'll be glad to help. Good luck! and BTW, NICE selection of cars ;^).
--
Kyle - attending Ore. State, while my lil '68 142 AWAITS ME OUTSIDE!!! ('74 b20, FIXED! "new" m40!!! thanks to Shayne and Mike!) Also, be sure to check out my cardomain site, kneedsacar) for kind of a buildup on the car and it's "mod list". =D