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  • Vehicle Identification Plate - deciphering extra info

While shopping for new struts was flagged by Volvo dealership that my 2002 V70T anniversary edition was "police spec" on the suspension.

They seemed a bit vague on the correct suspensions part for the car and I cant find any identifying stamps on the old struts other than whats on the attached photo.

I could be wrong but I think the anniversary models had a slightly lower suspension .

The Vin number does not contain any codes that specify the suspension

But Volvo Vehicle ID plates usually contain a separate Chassis code ( not to be confused with the chassis number at end of VIN)

The chassis code usually contains specifics for springs, suspension, sway bars, etc

But Instead of numbers and letters this is one just contains only numbers. See picture below with that number circled in red.

I'm wondering what this long string of numbers is.

Is it a special vehicle number? Totally confused by it as it doesn't correspond to any Volvo Vin decode info. If I can decode that number it might be the key to the correct suspension specs.

VIDA was no help either, it shows 3 different suspension setups for the same car including the "police" version.

How do I tell which one my car has? Even volvo cant tell me!

Old struts have labels but these dont correspond to any Volvo part numbers. Merely labelled left and right - I think they are juts the original assembly identifiers for the assembly line

Police spec - interesting as Volvo did bring in a few for police in field test use. Would need to check publicity in old magazines to get the year(s).

Typically this would mean:

for rear - higher spring rate - read thicker dia steel. As vehicles are loaded up with lots of equipment.

for front - higher spring rate combined with slightly thicker sway bar. Maybe stronger rims? Pursuit handling.

All of these can be checked by measuring the diameters and comparing with someone else's same model.

I honestly doubt its police spec - maybe the guy checking the parts navigated into the wrong part of VIDA or whetever version of it they use.

Also, special vehicles would have their own special identifier on the plate and it would be a short 4 digit code, nothing like the string on my id plate.

I will take a punt and order standard sachs and see what happens

    ICEDVOVO

    I honestly doubt its police spec - maybe the guy checking the parts navigated into the wrong part of VIDA or whetever version of it they use.

    Also, special vehicles would have their own special identifier on the plate and it would be a short 4 digit code, nothing like the string on my id plate.

    I will take a punt and order standard sachs and see what happens

    Dont forget the forum discount on posage.

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      It's hard/impossible to find people with the knowledge these days in dealerships.

      And particularly with older cars.

      All the sales and service is naturally focused on the current models as thats where the majority of money is to be made.

      No money in looking after old losers who fix their own cars

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