1998 V70 T5 full suspension rebuild

[NewbieV70T5]

Hi all,

I'm just awaiting one final part for my suspension rebuild on a 263K T5 and will update you with feedback once its all fitted and the geometry is complete. I'll list what I've bought below for your perusal:


TRW gas front shocks
Febi front spring upper rubber mounts
Febi front shock top mounts/bearings
PPS front shock bearing washers
KYB front bump stop kits
Febi front anti roll bar drop links
Febi front steering arm kits incl. tie rod/track rod/gaiters/clips (TRW rack)
Febi front lower wishbones (2 bolt)
PPS front ARB bushes
Sachs gas rear shocks
Febi rear anti roll bar drop links
Febi rear shock top mounts
Eibach Pro-kit lowering springs (in post from Germany but appear delayed)



Should be quite a transformation! Why I'm bothering on a 263K T5? Well, it's my first Volvo and I think it's brilliant.

[amazondean]

I would love to know what that lot has cost! Good to see there are people out there that are willing to keep spending, so that some of these cars will survive the next generation!

[PNuT]

Out of interest what are the rear anti roll bar drop links for?

If you are going to that much trouble it would be worth replacing the 4 bushes on the rear sub frame and the rear flexi brake pipes whilst the sub frame is loose....

[RollingThunder]

I'm delighted to see that I'm not the only one who spends silly money on these!

My recommissioning costs are just over £2k so far - but that does include buying and refurbishing the new wheels and fitting new tyres. I'll be replacing the suspension and brakes next year - the magic money pot is now almost empty

Keep up the good work

[NewbieV70T5]

Haha! Yeah, been wasting money on cars since the late 90's whilst at Uni!

Approximate costs for the rebuild (minus labour) below:

TRW gas front shocks £90
Febi front spring upper rubber mounts £22
Febi front shock top mounts/bearings £85
PPS front shock bearing washers £15
KYB front bump stop kits £16
Febi front anti roll bar drop links £25
Febi front steering arm kits incl. tie rod/track rod/gaiters/clips (TRW rack) £65
Febi front lower wishbones (2 bolt) £84
PPS front ARB bushes £20
Sachs gas rear shocks £50 (bought from private seller, unused)
Febi rear anti roll bar drop links £25 - do I not need these then?!)
Febi rear shock top mounts £25
Eibach Pro-kit lowering springs £160


I'm budgeting around £250 labour to get this lot on, then about £40 for geometry. Then I'll be happy!

[NewbieV70T5]

Originally Posted by PNuT

Out of interest what are the rear anti roll bar drop links for?

If you are going to that much trouble it would be worth replacing the 4 bushes on the rear sub frame and the rear flexi brake pipes whilst the sub frame is loose....

Will do, thanks.

Do these cars not have rear ARB's then? Do I not need the drop links?

[PNuT]

The fwd models dont have a traditional type of ARB.

Only some models have the ARB fitted as standard as well.

https://www.volvowholesaleparts.com/...ear-suspension

[ITSv40]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

I'm delighted to see that I'm not the only one who spends silly money on these!

My recommissioning costs are just over £2k so far - but that does include buying and refurbishing the new wheels and fitting new tyres. I'll be replacing the suspension and brakes next year - the magic money pot is now almost empty

Keep up the good work

Indeed. The money I spend on my Volvo's keeps me away from coke and hookers. Hmmm am I doing this right?😀

[NewbieV70T5]

OK so the rebuild was completed followed by 4 wheel alignment. Here are my observations:

- All parts removed were the original Volvo items from 1997/98
- The front inner steering tie rods were literally perfect with no play (replaced anyhow)
- All ball joints were in great condition but were all replaced with arms etc
- The front wishbone bushes were slightly worn
- Front shock absorbers were completed shot but not leaking with really tired from spring upper rubber mounts (top mounts were actually OK)
- Front NS drop link was worn
- Front OS drop link badly worn with the ball joint breaking free
- Rear shocks were totally dead, including worn out bushes at the bottom
- All springs were corroded but not in bad condition
- Rear top mounts had separated the rubber from the cup


Now, the car feels literally fantastic. The ride is firm (as I like it) but still progressive. It's also not too low, maybe 15mm on the front and 10mm on the rear. I'm sure it will drop some more once it settles.

A complete and fabulous transformation! Cambelt overhaul next.

[job1210]

Morning,
I was just reading your post about the suspension update you did on your v70t5.
I wanting to do similar, my main job is to update the shocks and springs I have a set of eibach lowering springs I was just wondering if you had any issues fitting them to the front shocks and if you could let me know the model no. of the TRW shock you used please.
I have. 1997 v70 t5 with 130k on the clock but she is very willowy in the corners I’ve replaced most of the suspension components and that hasn’t helped….
Have you still got your v70 what with ulez 🤬
Cheers for any info you can help with
James