Hey guys,
It is finally time to rebuild the suspension on our 1997 850 R Wagon. I have a set of Bilstein touring shocks and struts.

the list of items were are installing is here:

1994-1997 Volvo 850 Turbo Control Arm Kit | 850 Turbo Parts

Are these good quality? would you recommend looking into a different list of parts? or from a different supplier? I would like to get good quality parts?

Thanks

 

Well, the kit will drop dramatically if you already have the struts and shocks. I really would consider getting HD parts, especially if you plan to keep the car for a while. Well, HD parts may be to harsh for you, try to find OEM quality if you want them to last 100,000 miles.

 

The kit from FCP Groton says that it is OEM Quality, is it? Would you recamend getting the OEM quality parts from IPD instead?

 

There is a difference between OEM quality and OEM. Some parts places say exceeds OEM quality. If you plan to keep the car longer than 3 years, I would recommend OEM or parts that exceed OEM. I like iPD but I'm not stuck on them.

 

Are you buying the kit?

Are you buying the parts in the kit except the struts and shocks from FCP?

 

I have not purchased anything yet. I was thinking of buying the kit (minus Shocks/Struts from FCP or getting all of the parts in that kit from IPD. what is your opinion?

 

It's so hard to give a answer to that without quizzing you. There are so many things like financial position, how long you plan to keep the car, how "hard" you are on the car, how close you are to parts stores and how much Volvo stuff they stock and if anyone knows them.
You are talking a lot of parts. I would list it all, shop FCP, IPD and a local parts store. Make sure you're looking at warranty as locally you'll usually have two or three quality choices with different price and warranty.
Right now I think FCP has a 10% "coupon" on their ordering page. With a bigger purchase like this you can always ask a local store if they can do a little better on price, they usually will if you give them a reason to. And shop around as most places want your business badly and will happily price match.
You should also consider buying the kit if you think you can sell the struts and shocks separately. It might be a cheaper way of getting the other parts it's just a gamble on if, when and for how much you can sell the struts and shocks.
I'm cheap, I'll try to cut a corner if I can but I also know where I can. I never compromise on brakes or suspension. I usually go with the better warranty as I tend to keep cars a long time and I like to use local parts stores. I do shop and there are times that FCP or IPD has the price or they are the only ones with the part!
It really isn't an answer because in the end you have to figure out if you want rock bottom price (Rockauto), Best quality, fastest availability, longest warranty, face time or internet ease. After all it is a Volvo, the parts are a little more expensive and they are a little harder to get