Replacing Nivomat suspension with something else?

[jim_from_surrey]

Hi guys

I've got nivomat (self levelling) rear suspension on my t4 which has seen better days (146k on original shocks and springs i reckon) and i'm looking at options for replacing it.

The price of the nivomat shocks is astronomical, and the self levelling function is of limited appeal to me, i'd rather have something to make the car handle better rather than cope with heavy loads.

Can i replace the whole lot (shocks and springs) for an aftermarket performance suspension setup?

Anyone got any suggestions for makes and model numbers of the components that would work as a nivomat replacement?

Most kits seem to lower the car which i could handle slightly although i do drive down a rough unmade track twice a day, so wouldnt want it too low!

I'd be looking at replacing all the bushes etc too i guess.

Thanks!

Jim

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

Likely that both the shocks and springs are near their life end. Nivomats have a suggested life of 100000 miles...

If you change to a non self levelling set-up you will need to change the springs as those fitted with self levelling are alot weaker than standard shocks..

There are a number of suggestions as to whats the best sporty setup.
Having Nivos on both my estates I am not ofay with the best sports setup.
Have a brows through the performance or modified forums. Search both for shocks..

What you may want to consider is the possibility of lowering the car as you are needing to do half the job anyway..

Des. . .

[Enigma666]

And if you want to do it cheaper I have some Pi springs (new in box) that i'm not gonna use any more you can have for cheap as chips

[niloc]

Originally Posted by Enigma666

you can have for cheap as chips

...small or large bag? Salt & vinegar?

[spangoolies]

just replaced my shocks(already replaced springs with pi lowering springs) i opted for Bilstien shocks from www.partsforvolvosonline.com. cheapest i could find that ive heard are pretty good. im very happy with them so far, much more solid ride. you will have to go for the specific year of your car for the front shocks as there is a difference between phase 1 and 2 x40, but partsforvolvosonline for some reason are advertising 2 different rear shocks which is wierd as there is no difference at all in the rear shocks between 1996-2004. i purchased the cheaper 1996-2000(phase 1) shocks for my 2001(phase 2) and they fit perfectly. would recommend new springs, not sure if the nivomat springs would fit. pi springs are pretty cheap and lower the car by 30mm, but with yours being a t4 which was a lot lower than mine as stock, it would probably lower it a smaller amount. as far as i know, there shouldnt be any difference in the suspension components with nivomat, should all be in the shocks. any shock and spring set-up for 1996-2000 should fit your car

[Enigma666]

pi springs are pretty cheap and lower the car by 30mm

£120 isn't that cheap for 4 springs Spang

[spangoolies]

true, i suppose

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

And you should never use self leveller springs on a car with the nivomats replaced with standard shocks...

Self leveller springs are alot weaker as the nivomat shock is doing all the work..

Des. . .

[jim_from_surrey]

i've read up a bit on the nivomats already, and while good, i think £350 a shock is a bit much to renew them!

I'm open to suggestions and will research a bit more on suspension setups i think!

Has anyone on this forum actually done this - replaced nivomats with standard/performance suspension?

[CTCNetwork]

Hi,

You can get Nivomats cheaper than £350 a throw from like likes of GSF..

Des. . .