STfour
I currently have a volvo c70 convertible and it has the "GT" original lowered suspension but for some reason it seems way too low, it scrapes over everything, can't even get it on a lift, had to buy a new jack to lift it up. Point I'm getting to is that I want to get suspension from an s or v70 at the normal ride height, I know the springs should fit, but how much will it raise the ride height? And will it fix the harshness?
Ex850R
What year?
All the early cars are virtually same as the other cars barring the steering rack and rear track.
You could fit Sachs dampers and std ride height springs, look on FCP Euro, the price is cheap and shipping cheap compared to buying it here. Used woodn t be worth it.
It will be better but still harsh, they are not a luxo barge as you would expect.
STfour
It's a 2002 t5 model, at the moment it's literally scraping and crashing over small bumps. Now there's a clunk coming from the front left. Already had to do struts and CVs since we got the damn thing
STfour
Whoever decided to give the c70 a rack with no steering angle should be shot as well, the v70 turns so much tighter
STfour
Also just to clarify, the car originally came with the ohlins adjustable shocks which were blown, but we replaced them with monroe units. Does this make a difference?
timbo
Did you get the strut tops done when the struts were fitted?
Have you still got the original ohlins? They can be rebuilt and are fairly sort after. You will likely need to change the springs to alter the ride height
STfour
The strut tops seemed fine, the rubbers weren't torn and the bearings were smooth. The car only has 110k on it, but yeah, I've still got the original ohlins, thought about keeping them as they're kinda pretty lol.
Ex850R
Strut tops are a wear/service item as are lower control arms and drop links, could be any or all of those, you just replace them all at once while you are there.
Monroe isn't what would be recommended by most here.
As I said, fit new higher ride standard *78 struts, springs and do the back as well.
Has it got Nivomats in the rear?
Can be converted from Nivomats to std damper and springs too.
STfour
No idea what's in the back, but it has no clearance issues, just the front. Our v70 we bought had monroe shocks and it rides fine so I doubt the struts are too horrible. It's too late and expensive to buy other ones now. I'll just need some standard springs and check for any obviously loose joints. I'll keep you all posted, though I might need to get a new or used set of springs, standard height.
Vee_Que
The turning circle is limited to not have the tyres scrub.
STfour
If the front end is identical to the S and V70, why is tyre scrub such an issue? Unless they're different somehow?
Ex850R
The front ends are different , the steering rack is wider but when the lower suspension option is added to any of the P80 chassis they require steering lock limiters to stop rub.
Its worse on an AWD....
STfour
So, what you're saying is that if I changed to s70 springs, I could remove these limiters somehow?
Ex850R
Yes you could. But depends on tyre width too.
STfour
Standard 225/45/17
Ex850R
Nivomat in the rear or std dampers?
STfour
No clue
Ex850R
Look under at the damper.
If it is fat it's a Nivomat, the std ones are the usual slim type.
Nivomats are self pumping /levelling type damper.
Probably toast by now too either way.
These cars need a bit more maintenance than the average bus but if you bought an average bus you would still really need to replace all the same things but the average car just hides the fact it's all stuffed and nobody has replaced all the things they should have but don't.
People call a car they change oil on, regularly serviced... If they put one new front strut in, it's well maintained... In reality they have done nothing and the car needs lots of work to be right. A dealer or workshop won't sell them expensive parts for fear of losing an easy dollar, sure, they slip in some stuff but who wants a $2K service bill..
Old cars cost to sort out for this reason. Owners are cheap. Owning a car isn't.
STfour
It just seems odd to me that a '98 v70 20v we bought is pretty much bombproof mechanically and an '02 c70 t5 is not as robust and trouble free. I guess I had my benchmark set too high. Luck of the draw I guess.
Ex850R
Probably lack of real maintenance by po.
Oil changes with decent oil.
Pcv cleaned or changed out in timely manner.
My bet is radiator.
Tricky, but if you can have the oil lines disconnected and pressure test radiator it will tell.
Then again, the cost of doing it is that may as well go towards a new one and be done with it.
Sorting it all out will give driving pleasure for years.
Note, the c70 convertible has stiffer subframe and should have solid subframe bushes as well to make up for lack of roof.
This will help handling.