For reference, I've got the ipd 25/22 mm sway bars installed, but otherwise my suspension is stock.
Reading about 240 sport handling on Anthony Hyde's Volvo Turbo World, he states that Bilstein (HD?) shocks do wonders for improving the front end handling of a 240. However, "the value of high performance rear shocks on the 240 is not clear cut."
How could I expect the handling of my car to change if I replaced only the front struts with Bilstein HDs, and left in the stock rear shocks? It seems to me there would be more understeer but less (front) body roll. Would there be safety or serious handling issues with this setup of which I should be aware?
The reason I'd be inclined to make this change is because of the apparently neglible handling improvement through upgrading the rear shocks and yet the cost of doing so. If the handling would not be improved in replacing only the front struts, then I will be discouraged from doing that, and if the safety of my car would be compromised, then I'll wait until I can afford everything, cost regardless.
The Konis are out of my price range (rear or front), but is there any other alternate change I could make? At a little over 110,000 miles on what I believe to be original struts and shocks, I get the feeling it's time to replace everything. Would an install of Bilsteins in front and Boge/Bilstein TC in back produce a better-handling, safe suspension?
What experiences with different shocks and struts have you guys had? What would you recommend?
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'89 244 GL -- 110,800 miles (see profile for info on car)
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