FOR SALE: 850R lowering springs

[Wobbly Dave]

I have just had my suspension done at VT.

The genuine Volvo 850 lowering springs are now for sale, because I went for the cheaper non-self leveling shocks rather than the Nivomats - which cost a small fortune. I don't need the load carrying capability.

Cheapest way to make your car look like the R in ride height - but you must have self-levelers on the back - so this will probably only apply to the estates - namely 850s or V70s (phase 1)

£95 ovno the set - excluding carriage.

(BTW eibach springs are £200 + Vat)

[Giles]

I have just had my suspension done at VT.

The genuine Volvo 850 lowering springs are now for sale, because I went for the cheaper non-self leveling shocks rather than the Nivomats - which cost a small fortune. I don't need the load carrying capability.

Cheapest way to make your car look like the R in ride height - but you must have self-levelers on the back - so this will probably only apply to the estates - namely 850s or V70s (phase 1)

£95 ovno the set - excluding carriage.

(BTW eibach springs are £200 + Vat)

Dave - my self-levellers are w****d on the back - you've seen this tho from my wheelies at the pod meets! They do not work - Hamish said to replace them is around (i think?) £250 each side, just for the struts! What would you recommend I do? Replace them with self-levellers, or any old set of struts and lowering springs - I know you cannot put lowering springs on self-levellers as they are - will your ones work for mine for the time being, or is there a risk of grinding around down below?

[Wobbly Dave]

These are springs mate - not shocks. The reason your car speedboats under load is coz the shocks are buggered - even more so than mine (were).

If you wish to retain the self-leveling capabilities you will need to buy nivomats - which are large £££!!.

Putting my 850R springs on will reduce the speedboating because they don't have as much travel. But ultimately replacing the dampers is what you need.

Like you have rightly stated - you cannot use eibach lowering springs with the nivomats. The choice is yours.

[Giles]

These are springs mate - not shocks. The reason your car speedboats under load is coz the shocks are buggered - even more so than mine (were).

If you wish to retain the self-leveling capabilities you will need to buy nivomats - which are large £££!!.

Putting my 850R springs on will reduce the speedboating because they don't have as much travel. But ultimately replacing the dampers is what you need.

Like you have rightly stated - you cannot use eibach lowering springs with the nivomats. The choice is yours.

not bothered about sel-levellers - just want a good set of shocks - any ideas as to what would be nice 'n cheap?

[Tomcat]

Yeah, buy these spare shocks I have lying around on this other T5 as we sort of discussed about three months ago. :slap:

[Wobbly Dave]

For those who have not twigged yet - these springs will give you the ride height of an 850R - some 30mm lower than a standard T5

[Giles]

Yeah, buy these spare shocks I have lying around on this other T5 as we sort of discussed about three months ago. :slap:

sent you an e-mail :ashamed:

[Wobbly Dave]

For those that missed this the first time around - they are still for sale. If you lot don't want them then I am gonna stick them on ebay.

[vt5]

Dave did you find out if they fit an 850 saloon ? 1996 standard shocks?

[Wobbly Dave]

They will only work if you have self leveling shocks on the back

[obsession]

Hi Dave,
How do I check if I have self leveling?
I have an 855 cd, n reg, but the plate has been changed so many times that nothing comes up on volvo's computers....
Would be very interested in the springs if you can help.
Do they just replace the standard springs with the shocks staying the same as stock??
Cheers,
Gav :)

[mraldonnelly]

How do I check if I have self leveling?

Load her up and see if she stays the same height? Just a guess but I'm sure that should give something away. If she sits lower at the back then they're not self levellers. If she sits at the same height then I'd assume they are.

It's something I need to check with my new V70. Just gotta persuade the wife to sit in the boot to simulate a full load :) .

Regards

Andy

[Martinr]

Careful Andy you never know who reads these things!!

[CAMO]

Was self- levelrs an optional extra, or standard fit on estates?

[Wobbly Dave]

I am not sure if they were standard on the estates though I would expect so.

They are directly swapable without changing your shocks assuming you have the SL dampers on the rear.

Come on peeps - get 'em while they are hot.

Handling will improve due to lower centre of gravity and as they are standard Volvo springs they don't IMHO inpinge (sp!!) on your insurace

[vt5]

I saw some self levellers in the volvo breakers the other day.

They were black shock looking things with a rubber gaitor making up the majority of shock body

So half shock half rubber gaitor.

If that helps anyone having a check at theirs.

[mraldonnelly]

Went to my local main dealer yesterday to see whether or not my V70 has Nivomats.

They weren't standard on the V70 but could be specified as an option or as part of the "Estate pack" which included roof rails and self levellers.

The previous owner of my car went all out on spec ing the car up. They bought a basic V70 T5 and added varios options such as ECC, roof rails, additional seats, additional booster seats, STC, roof rails etc etc. I just don't understand why they never added the options as part of option packs as it would probably have worked out cheaper and they would have got a better spec car.

Still, I'm happy with the spec of my V70. For a basic model (doesn't even have any letters to the spec) it has some decent features.

Dave, am I right in thinking that your lowering springs won't fit mine because I've got standard shocks not self levellers? I need to change the front suspension mounts and figure I may as well fit new lowering springs at the same time.

Regards

Andy

[Wobbly Dave]

Yep Andy - they only work with SL shocks. This is why I have them spare, because my new rear ones aren't SL shocks. Swapping out the rear springs is not difficult, so if you can find some 2nd hand SL shocks you will be "cooking wit' gas"

[Wobbly Dave]

Sold!