Replacing Stock Suspension

[Dancake]

Alex that would be very handy if you could do that, but if it's gona be a pita to hunt them out don't worry

[v40alex]

I posted this in the other thread, might as well copy it here. Standby for part number overload!

The Sport front shocks
Left 30884227 Right 30884228 = 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C

There are 13 different part numbers for front springs! Four of which are Sport spec
30884223 = 2C
30884224 = 3C
30884225 = 4C
30884226 = 5C
The C number relates to the chassis code on the VIN plate. I don't know the difference between the springs.

The rear Sport shocks are
30616716 (same either side) = 1E and 2E

Again, 13 rear springs, rear Sport springs only two...
30620555 = 1E
30620556 = 2E

How to decipher the VIN plate suspension code

[Dog_Book]

Monroe is a cheap brand, not having any with me now but im sure original Volvo shocks were made by Sachs.

[v40alex]

This is my RH front Sport shock, Volvo part 30884228

My standard ones are also Monroe but Made in Belgium.

[Dancake]

Is it possible that Volvo used different suppliers for different countries and suspension set ups? If Monroe are cheap it doesn't say much for Volvo using their shocks as OEM items

[timmytarmac]

I have recently replaced top mounts with original Volvo parts which I sourced from CarPartsMountain which is an eBay shop who sell ex dealer stock and new cost me £66 total for 2 original mounts as I had been advised not to fit anything else (they may not have any left but worth a try).
http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/carpartsmo...84.m1439.l2754

Bought Sachs front shocks £140 odd with sks bearings £10 odd from Euro Car Parts, and bought some Monroe bump stops and dust covers front and rear from Mister Auto £25 kept the original springs as they are fine.

I looked into the Monroe ones as they were cheaper then plumped for the Sachs as I did replace snapped rear springs on the back when I bought the car with a Sachs pair.

[Dog_Book]

Thats interesting, admittedly ive not looked into shocks in a skyship oil kind of way but never heard of them being used as oem. Well until now, and as we all know they last about 10 years before needed to be swapped i know mine did

[NJV40]

I am in process of picking up shocks for my 2004 LSE v40. The price for Bilstein touring is similar to original Volvo(aka Monroe). My suspension is comfort type judging by chassis number. Would Bilstein touring be any stiffer? Would mixing comfort springs with Bilstein shocks be a problem(soft spring with stiffer shock??).

[v40alex]

Originally Posted by Dog_Book

Thats interesting, admittedly ive not looked into shocks in a skyship oil kind of way

It's become a source of curiosity for me as to why there are so many different options. I suppose there's a difference between the S and the V, maybe another option for towing, but why so many springs? Diesel heavier than the petrol car? Apparently there was the option for an armoured version (for diplomats), so maybe that has uprated springs. And what's 'Dynamic' all about, when were they fitted? As for Overseas Comfort Chassis - ?? is that American-style huge suspension travel? It would make me sleep better at night if I could find out

[v40alex]

Originally Posted by NJV40

I am in process of picking up shocks for my 2004 LSE v40. The price for Bilstein touring is similar to original Volvo(aka Monroe). My suspension is comfort type judging by chassis number. Would Bilstein touring be any stiffer? Would mixing comfort springs with Bilstein shocks be a problem(soft spring with stiffer shock??).

I read somewhere that the Tourings are supposed to be roughly 10% stiffer than stock, whether this would make a difference with a stock spring I don't know. I would get them with matched springs unless you're willing to do a bit of experimentation - suspension is a bit of a black art.