Bilstein Shock Questions on 740

I've been reading many of the posts here regarding shocks/struts. It
seems Bilstein is a highly regarded shock and I am considering either
the HD or the Touring Class.

The Touring Class seems to be a better price, but I've read it's stiff
on the 240. Is it also stiff on the 740?

I have no experience with Boge, KYB, Koni or Bilstein. What do I want
out of a shock? Well, I would hope to have a comfortable ride, yet
controlled, responsive handling.

This is not a turbo, but it is not a Lincoln Town Car either.

So, the questions I have are:

1) Which rides stiffer, the Bilstein HD or the Bilstein TC on a 740
sedan?

2) When I see on eBay, "Set of 4 Bilstein HD shocks for 740 Volvo",
does this mean all 4 are shocks, or are there 2 shocks and 2 struts?
Don't I need 2 shocks and 2 struts and NOT 4 shocks?

3) Money matters. So, what is the best deal for a ride that would be
just 1 notch above factory? Should I consider the Boge Turbo Gas or
Boge Pro Gas, or maybe a Koni?

Thanks!

 

Since the front struts have replaceable inserts most people call the
inserts shocks.

Bob

 

Thanks. The ads I saw for these had no pictures, and I didn't know if
people put 4 shocks on a Volvo.

 

Boge (part of the ZF group) are the manufacturers of the Volvo OEM shock
absorbers. If you are after constant ride height with comfort then you may
have to fork out for a pair of Boge "Nivomats". They are expensive granted,
but will last about ten years and can be fitted with standard or heavy duty
springs on rear suspension. I would tend to go for Boge Gas strut shock
absorbers and replace the swivel ball joints and top mountings at same time.
If your car is approaching or past ten years old then replace the suspension
bushings throughout, standard are perfectly adequate, including anti-roll
bar link kits. We have pretty active modifications and performance forums on
the VOC website where a wealth of information can be gleaned from people
like Don Norchi.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

 

Peter thanks,
It's a 1987, so it's near 20 years old with 200,000 miles. I bought the
IPD front bushing kit, and plan on getting lower ball joints. Not sure
about the top mountings.

I don't think I'll do Nivomat. I may just do the Boge Gas strut shock
if I can save money and if the OEM Volvo ride was good.

Regards,
Jamie

 

Peter, what are you calling the top mountings? FCP Groton has a
mounting kit:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/images/1387188.jpg

$47 per side.

Kind of steep, is this what you were referring to?

 

Bilsteins touring and synthetic rubber bushes are real nice as are the 225
x 16 x 50 Fulda tires or tyres .I put the tyres at 40 psi and they are good
..

 

Jamie that looks similar, although not the same as standard Volvo top
mounts. They should have a lot more rubber in them, check with your car's
mounts. What you need is the same as fitted to your car. So ask for strut
top mounts for your car's VIN to ensure the correct item. Did you try IPD?
They can be more helpful than FCP at Groton (Conn) as they are Volvo
specialists. They do mail order. UK price for these from German,Swedish &
French is £22.5 (£38.25) each or £45 ($76.5) per pair.

All the best, Peter.

700/900/90 Register Keeper,
Volvo Owners Club (UK).

 

Thanks Peter, just wanted to be sure you weren't talking about strut
bushings - those are much cheaper.

Now, what was that saying again? Was it "Volvo - I roll" or "Volvo -
where'd all my money go?"



Cheers mate - the next pint's on me if it's a pint of Guinness!

 

Thanks Peter, just wanted to be sure you weren't talking about strut
bushings - those are much cheaper.

Now, what was that saying again? Was it "Volvo - I roll" or "Volvo -
where'd all my money go?"



Cheers mate - the next pint's on me if it's a pint of Guinness!