i have a 1990 volvo 244. i weigh abt 116lb but when i have my ~230lb buddy in the passenger seat the back psgr wheel scrapes the well. It's obviously suspension but since its my first car and i dont have any experience outside of fixing brake lights and some odds and ends in the engine bay, i dont know which part of the suspension to replace... i assume its just the coil but im not sure.. any thoughts?

 

the first thing to do would be get your buddy to push down on the right rear of the car's body and get it to bounce. if it bounces up and down more than once the shock absorber is bad.

 

Changing shocks will not change the ride height.

 

even if there was no dampening at all? maybe car has a busted spring then?
pretty unusual but the OP should go under and look at it...

 

Definitely take a look under the car, it may be a combination of tired bushings and springs. If possible when your friend is in the car, so you can pinpoint what's giving out.