Guys,

When you're replacing your struts... and you compress the spring... the Haynes manual says to compress it to "11.81 inches", and this guy's tutorial (which is great by the way) also says it.... http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/7.htm

But... when I did it... I just compressed the spring until it was loose from the strut itself and then took the mount apart to remove the spring.

Then on the new strut I just slid the spring over the strut, slid the mount on there and tightened that propeller nut until it was super tight (not sure how you'd "torque" that thing w/out a special tool.)

All is well though, she rides smooth, no noises or anything, I love it... EXCEPT... I swear to God the front-end looks like it's higher than the rear (and yes, I did replace the rear shocks and mounts the same day, same repair project.)

Only thing I'm thinking... is if that 11.81 inches is for this reason...

(though I am a fan of telling myself that my springs have stretched from the compression, and they will settle down over the next few days)

Anyone got anything? Thanks.

 

The struts you put in probably are nitrogen gas charged (were they Bilsteins?) which raises the ride height slightly...

The old struts probably weren't or the they were just worn out and sagging. The ride height delta between old/new is just more noticeable in the front.

I did Bilstein TCs on my 850 not long ago and noticed the same thing..

 

Yes, I did install Bilsteins. But actually... i'm talking about the height difference between the front and rear... now... after the replacement.

The front end looks higher than the rear... and when you accelerate (and you're watching the car move) it definitely looks even more pronouced as the force of the acceleration raises the front and drops the rear.

Does the 11.81 inches matter?

 

Is this a sedan or wagon?

 

Wagon.

 

Check out this thread for measurements some people have reported (ground to fender lip, front and back): https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-850-16/850-tire-sizes-48094/