Hi all
My 01 S40 needs shocks and struts all around. I am stuck as to what brand I should go with. I can get Monroe's off rockauto for around 60 bucks a piece, however, I heard these ride very well but will lift the car up 1-3 inches. I can also get a set of kyb for around the same price and have heard good things about them as well. I want good quality and something that is better for performance and cornering without not breaking the wallet. A set of bilistines will cost 330.00 without springs.

Help is appreciated!

 

We have factory shocks for the same price with life time warranty if installed at a Volvo dealership

 

I'd stick with OEM - ie Genuine Volvo or Sachs. Bilstein also makes "touring" shocks/struts which have a different valving mechanism from the Sports to be closer to OEM (and cheaper). Note about doing struts on the S40 - the springs are very long and may be too long for standard spring compressors. Also you need to read up on how to align the strut mounts (not like other models where you can simply align the seat to the spring). With that in mind, a dealer install with lifetime warranty may not be a bad idea.

 

for what it's worth, I had really good luck putting Bilstein touring on the rear. Brought height back to original and they feel quite good. FCP has got these on sale for $48 each right now (for rears).


I had no issue using standard spring compressors although you do need to get them set up just right.

 

could be just the 2000's that are a PITA. The 2001-2004s went to a new and improved strut mount design - I was tempted to upgrade my 2000 to the newer strut/mount/bearing design but decided to leave that when the struts wear out. Rears are the same for 2000-2004 and were not a problem to work with.