Hi,

I can only suggest you look into KYB Gas-Adjust for the rears and not in the EXCEL-G line. To me the latter is more OE or get me by shocks. They are smaller but still a decent shock for just a standard replacement.

The original GA are larger in diameter first of all and it’s all internally to build up more stiffness the more they are worked. Very similar working theory as the older MONROE 500 line shocks in 1974. They were built for the twin I-Beam FORD suspension pick ups to handle their mass.
I do not know what Monroe offers but for my money I have concluded that what ever came or comes stock on AMERICAN domestic vehicles do not last worth beans.

My truck came new with special low cost or contractor shocks made by GABRIEL. I will never touched that brand again.
Same thing happened with me and FORDS for the next 50 years.
But surely the FORDS got better in designing someplace to still be in business but I will not bet on any shock absorbers they pick ever being great.
That is never mentioned as a power train warranty item!
I have seen mileage warranties on shocks @ around 10,000 miles being advertised, so what’s up with that?
The KYB brand GA’s have held up very well on my ‘86 245 with overloads springs from IPD.
A little stiff when empty but no squishy driving them.

The later line models of Volvo especially the 700 sedans got monkeyed around with. The self leveling Nivomat mats are a very over priced night mare IMO from SACH and sagging springs was another issue.
You may just have the springs (leftover?) as the cars came two ways.
SACH and Volvo ideas didn’t mix well on that model. IMHO Volvo got too GM- ish and K- car for my taste.

Doing the spring upgrading may elevate most of your situation as shocks, front and rear are only recoil Suppressors.
If you pull a shock it should resist movement without gurgling or travel movement without resistance.
The gas is there to reduce foaming as the fluid heats up.
A Coolant or any working fluid under pressure contains more heat to raise its temperature.
That in turn creates a higher temperature gradient so heat actually transfers mor quickly when given a restricted dimension of dissipation.

Like I said, the Excel-G line looks to be smaller in diameter but that doesn’t mean they didn’t up the pressure.
I have compared the two side by side. Cold they worked the same so only time will tell, if I ever put them on a car that I determine needs them. I stash stuff.😬
Why they still make the two it must be a marketing thing to auto makers and the public?

Phil
Check carefully in that arena.