V70 Suspension

I have a 1997 V70 TDI with 110,000 miles in the UK. The suspension is
starting to feel tired. It wallows a bit and has lost precision. I
know some of the bushes are worn and will be replaced soon along with
new dampers. The question is are there any sensible upgrades either
after market or from other models in the range. I use the car every
day and do approx 30-40k miles a year. Also towing a race car during
the summer. Thanks for any advice.

 

Cor blimey mark, you must be really hammering your car, I have a 1997
V70 TDI, and am just replacing front shocks after 225,000 miles!! All
bushes and rear shocks are still original. I guess I've been lucky.
Anyway, apparently the Gas adjustable shocks from Monroe or similar
are fine for the front of the car, and you can buy Load compensating
shocks for the rear, which will be ideal when towing. I'm unaware of
any other suspension upgrades, other than lowered springs, but these
are a bit un-necessary as the TDI sits low anyway. You are using V70
T-5 alloys though aren't you? If not, get some!! I am told that V70R
springs are suitable, but if the car runs too low you may lose your
sump.
See www.eurocarparts.com for loads of suspension part options. I will
be ordering some front shocks for mine tomorrow, and I have also
replaced the top-strut mounting and spring seat after I got a knocking
sound at 220,000 miles.
Good luck. at 110,000, your car is young !!

P.S 16 inch alloys proved to be considerably better that 15 inchers
for me, removing the majority of body roll, and making the car corner
like a... well, like something which goes round corners without
throwing you into the door or centre console!
Heated electric memory seats are my latest addition too. Very nice.

 

Any pictures Joe??

Tim..

 

As many pictures as you like Tim. The whole car, or just the goodies (seats,
wheels, e.t.c)?
Also, where do I post the pics to? I can e-mail them to you directly of
course. It really is time I got a webpage up and running!
Cheerio.

 

Just in case it's of any interest mark, there's a set of said V70 T5
wheels on ebay.
Tyres are shot, but the rims alone would cost £350 each from the
dealer.
They look clean too.
I have no connection with the seller you understand, but I couldn't
resist mentioning it. Just take a look at the picture!
Hope the link works.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2443530042&category=10432

 

Would those rims fit a '91 745 ?
That would look soooo nice !!!!

 

Just keep in mind, those 16" wheels for the 850 and 70 series, while
they look very similar are different in details, so make sure you get a
complete set of one or the other.

 

No, the offset is much too high, they'd position the wheels about 1" too
far in, so they'd rub on the struts and inner fenders. You'd need a
spacer and longer studs to make them work. And any low quality spacer
that thick will cause vibrations you'll be hunting down forever.

 

Thanks for the responses. Been away hence the delay in replying. I'll
have a look at Eurocarparts, although my past experience with patern
parts (re BMW mainly) is that they are never as good as the original.
They usually work fine initially, but not for as long so the saving is
lost by having to do the job again.

The wheels is an interesting one, though I would be wary of making the
car more prone to bumps crashing through than it already is. I spend
much of my milage in London with it's awful roads. I do know that some
of the bushes are worn - advice given at the last service (Volvo agent
Cambridge Garage in Petersfield Hants)so this may be part of the
reason. I'll do them and the dampers and then consider what else once
I can see what good condition suspension is like. Im not really trying
to maked the volvo a road racer - (Ive already got one of those for
the track), but rather get it back to a secure, confidence inspiring
reasonably rapid but relaxing drive.

Mark