Hey all, new to the forum, owned many, recently picked up a '93 850 glt. Front shocks need replacing, I have a price from IPD:

Boge struts, both, 250.00
Spring seats, both 50.00

Plus shipping. For a total of about 320.00

If, while my mechanic is working, we realize we need strut mounts, or bump stops, I'll just have 'em available nearby.

I have another scenario thru Shox.com:

Bilstien Touring Class:

Bilstien Struts, Both, 233.00
Spring Seats, Both 50.00

Plus same shipping cost. For a total of about 300.00

So, my question is:

What's up with the Bilstien touring struts? Should I just go with the Boge?
Would like to keep it close to original in the way of feel, which I assume would mean go with the Boges. But if the Bilstiens are going to impress me, maybe I should go with those..(?) Are the Bilstiens going to be softer than original (Boge) If so, I don't want that...any thoughts? Thanks, Dan Boulder Colo.

 

Hey Dan, welcome to the forum.

I don't know of Boge, but I just installed the Volvo OEM's, which are Sachs - and I mean just installed. I have to finish working on the brakes before I can test 'em out! From what I understand, the Bilstiens will give you a firmer (or is that 'more firm'?) ride, but if you're looking for factory, go with the Sachs.

Get the heavy duty spring seats. They'll fit fine but they last longer.

I actualy picked up the FCP suspension kit:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/192

and it has most everything to swap. You have to reuse some of the bits, but nothing too bad. One down side is the spring seats are not the heavy duty, from what I understand, but I'm not looking to pound the pavement.

So if you double the cost you're looking at, you'll get a big box of parts that will tighten up darn near everything.

 

OK, quick update. Just noticed you mentioned IPD, not FCP...

I also noticed that the logo that IPD displays says Sachs AND Boge - I just never heard of Boge before...

IPD usually has higher performance parts for our ride, while FCP has OEM parts. FCP usually has the best prices over anyone and they always run discounts and free shipping for large orders.

Example; FCP has the struts 19 bucks cheaper and the shocks for 4 bucks cheaper.

 

Hey Vince, thanks for the input. Yeah, Sachs/Boge , same thing, same company. I think they're moving away from the Boge name. Anyhow, yeah I checked fcp, may go that route, I'll probably stay with Sachs/Boge, anytime I hear the word Touring, I feel like it'll be a tender, soft, drive by the Grand Canyon sort of ride. I could be wrong, they're prob. fine, if not a bit nicer. I'll watch for some more feedback in regards to the ride. Thanks, Danielcash -dan boulder, colo.

 

Yeah, when I hear 'Touring', I always imagine those big Caddies swaying up and down for 20 minutes after they hit a pothole and the steering wheel can swing 90 degrees without affecting the direction of the car.

But keep in mind that the 850 is an 'European sport car' (I happen to have a wagon), and IMHO that has a different meaning than an 'American sport car'.

I've read plenty of posts - here and over at MVS - discussing the shock/strut setup, and I think either way you go, you'll probably be very happy - unless you've got some serious time into evaluating suspension parts.

 

Daniel,

If you like the feel of your Volvo the way it is right now, then the sage are the way to go. Sage is the OEM supplier for Volvo and makes all there OEM shocks that are not self leveling or part of the 4C system.

If you want something a little bit sportier then stock, then go with the Bilstein Touring shocks. I had them on my 850 and I loved them.

 

Sage..you mean Boge, right.? Sachs/Boge are/were original oem to Volvo.
Anyhow, on that note: the rear have, I'm pretty sure been replaced and they feel just fine, tho I don't know what they are. They're not yellow, I think they're green-ish...I'm guessing they are not a sporty upgrade, as this vehicle was a "Volvo Special Delivery Diplomat" car...I can't imagine the "head dude of tourist/diplomat cars and stuff" having sport shox installed in the rear. So, I might lean to Sachs/Boge..unless someone thinks that the Bilstien Touring would make the front cooler, stable, a bit sporty and it wouldn't be an issue in relation to whatever is on the rear. More thoughts, anyone? Thanks....danielcash -dan

 

Ok, Sachs-Boge ...Sage..It hit me last night.
Seems like it would be Bochs..Or Soge..
So who's got input more on the Touring struts?

Would someone just decide, put 'em in and drive to work for me!?

 

Ill put them in for a nominal fee,
drive your car for gas money,
but as for work...
your on your own on that one =)

 

The Bilstein TCs will NOT give you a caddy ride; they are slightly firmer than stock OEM, but much better control. This is what i recommend for normal street use. Have these on mine and wife's car (she loves them!).

The Bilstein HDs on the other hand are quite harsh; IMO I would only recommend them for track use.

Almost forgot; if you replace the strut mount bearings, make sure you go OEM there...

 

Thank you for that input, that is the wording I was looking for. I appreciate it. Dan