S40 T5 suspension suggestions

PaddyB · Mar 2nd, 2019, 18:39

Hi All,

My money pit of an S40 T5 is in need of front shocks & rear springs. The build plate number is 181261318211 which makes my front shocks '12' & my rear springs '13'

Does anybody know what these numbers actually mean ? And can anyone recommend a setup that's on the comfortable side of sporty? I'm not after dropping it.

Cheers Paddy

PaddyB · Mar 2nd, 2019, 22:20

Update:

Having spent the last few hours cross referencing some Volvo parts websites & VIDA I've come to the conclusion that my suspension setup is "Dynamic" - or at least my shocks are. The ARBs appear in both the "Dynamic" & "Sports" sections & I couldn't say about the springs - other than there's about 25 different options.

So with that in mind I'm going to go Bilstein B4 shocks. Eibach springs have a good reviews but I can't find any that aren't lowering kits.

So are there any good springs out there that are standard height ??

Cheers

Paddy

domhart10 · Mar 3rd, 2019, 12:21

Just to let you know on the eibach springs yes the ride does drop a bit, reduces that huge arch gap but the comfort is still there so I wouldnt worry too much about the drop. But yes the B4 shocks are good for just keeping things close to OEM.

I had eibach coils with the OEM dampers and the ride hight was brought down but still similar comfort and body roll really. Replaced with coilovers now but these are a way harsher ride.

Welton · Mar 4th, 2019, 08:18

I'm running standard Volvo Springs (the rears have been replaced with dealer-sourced OE replacements) and Bilstein B4's, the ride is firm and kinda choppy at low speeds but very nice and stable at medium to higher speeds. The B4's are marketed as being about 10% more 'sporty' than standard dampers.

I'd recommend a rear IPD ARB and front OE strut brace for added comfort - stops the car rocking from side to side.

PaddyB · Mar 4th, 2019, 21:16

Thank you for the replies.

According to VIDA i should have 30666220 on the rear & 3066209 on the front. The car sits low enough for me atm - there's about a 2.5" gap between the top of the wheel & the wheel arch, front & back. It doesn't look huge to me. I'll put a photo up when it's light outside.

Maybe I need to look what's actually installed before I get spending money.

I'll check out that rear ARB. I have a brace but aborted fitting it after the tower mount stud came loose on the first golf i undid. I'll fit it when I change the front shocks.

Thanks again.

PaddyB · Apr 4th, 2019, 22:54

Quick update to let those who come after what I've found out:
The standard springs for my "dynamic chassis" (part# 30666209 on the front & 30666220 on the rear) are 20mm lower compared to the stock comfort springs. I've no idea if this is standard for T5s

I went for the 25mm lowering Eibachs & Bilstein B4s from buycarparts. I also got new tower mounts & bump stops.

I'll post up a rating after I've fitted them.

Mar 2nd, 2019, 18:39	#1
PaddyB Junior Member Last Online: May 12th, 2020 17:23 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mancunia	S40 T5 suspension suggestions Hi All, My money pit of an S40 T5 is in need of front shocks & rear springs. The build plate number is 181261318211 which makes my front shocks '12' & my rear springs '13' Does anybody know what these numbers actually mean ? And can anyone recommend a setup that's on the comfortable side of sporty? I'm not after dropping it. Cheers Paddy

Mar 3rd, 2019, 12:21	#3
domhart10 Volvo S40 Last Online: Yesterday 14:15 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Chichester	Just to let you know on the eibach springs yes the ride does drop a bit, reduces that huge arch gap but the comfort is still there so I wouldnt worry too much about the drop. But yes the B4 shocks are good for just keeping things close to OEM. I had eibach coils with the OEM dampers and the ride hight was brought down but still similar comfort and body roll really. Replaced with coilovers now but these are a way harsher ride. __________________ ----------------------------------------- Current: 2009 Volvo S40 T5 Progress Thread: https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=271945 Previous Volvo: 2008 S40 SE Lux R Design 2.0D

Mar 4th, 2019, 08:18	#4
Welton Premier Member Last Online: Sep 14th, 2021 17:03 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Market Harborough	I'm running standard Volvo Springs (the rears have been replaced with dealer-sourced OE replacements) and Bilstein B4's, the ride is firm and kinda choppy at low speeds but very nice and stable at medium to higher speeds. The B4's are marketed as being about 10% more 'sporty' than standard dampers. I'd recommend a rear IPD ARB and front OE strut brace for added comfort - stops the car rocking from side to side. __________________ 2005 S40 T5 SE - Manual. Bilstein B4's. (For Sale) 2010 Citroen C4 1.6 HDi (bizarre Gearbox model). 2010 Renault Twingo (refreshingly simple) 2018 Infiniti Q30 1.6T Business Executive (what's this button do?)

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Mar 2nd, 2019, 22:20	#2
PaddyB Junior Member Last Online: May 12th, 2020 17:23 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mancunia	Update: Having spent the last few hours cross referencing some Volvo parts websites & VIDA I've come to the conclusion that my suspension setup is "Dynamic" - or at least my shocks are. The ARBs appear in both the "Dynamic" & "Sports" sections & I couldn't say about the springs - other than there's about 25 different options. So with that in mind I'm going to go Bilstein B4 shocks. Eibach springs have a good reviews but I can't find any that aren't lowering kits. So are there any good springs out there that are standard height ?? Cheers Paddy

Mar 4th, 2019, 21:16	#5
PaddyB Junior Member Last Online: May 12th, 2020 17:23 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mancunia	Thank you for the replies. According to VIDA i should have 30666220 on the rear & 3066209 on the front. The car sits low enough for me atm - there's about a 2.5" gap between the top of the wheel & the wheel arch, front & back. It doesn't look huge to me. I'll put a photo up when it's light outside. Maybe I need to look what's actually installed before I get spending money. I'll check out that rear ARB. I have a brace but aborted fitting it after the tower mount stud came loose on the first golf i undid. I'll fit it when I change the front shocks. Thanks again.

Apr 4th, 2019, 22:54	#6
PaddyB Junior Member Last Online: May 12th, 2020 17:23 Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Mancunia	Quick update to let those who come after what I've found out: The standard springs for my "dynamic chassis" (part# 30666209 on the front & 30666220 on the rear) are 20mm lower compared to the stock comfort springs. I've no idea if this is standard for T5s I went for the 25mm lowering Eibachs & Bilstein B4s from buycarparts. I also got new tower mounts & bump stops. I'll post up a rating after I've fitted them.

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