Volvo 760 GLE sagging in the rear :( common?

Hi all,

I have a 1987 Volvo 760 GLE (solid rear axle) and its sitting quite low in the rear as if
the springs are sagging. Is this common? I've seen a couple of cars like this, and I
guess the only way to remedy this is to replace the springs. They sell these little
rubber spring things!??! to help raise it up, I wonder how the ride would be, as the
travel of the spring would be limited (it is now, it hits the bump stops way too early).

 

Oh,

I also just installed new aftermarket rear shocks, and from what I gather, I need to
change the rear springs as well. The Nivomatics are self leveling, and the main spring is
probably too weak to keep the car up?!?! Well, I guess this will have to be done.

Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

 

This is what I have heard, that if you change out the nviomats you need new
springs. Our 93 960 is still sitting level, I hope we can get another few
years out of the stock suspension. (tho 140K Kms and 10 years doesn't seem
all that bad for original stuff, considering we tow a fairly hefty trailer
with the car on summer trips).

 

Either replace the springs or remove the aftermarket shocks & install the
correct shocks try www.ipd.com to see if they sell the shocks you need

 

There is a train of thought on brickboard that suggests that a car with a
sagging rear actually has worn Front springs which actually expand with age.
Replace the front ones too and the car sits level. I have one in my drive
that displays the nose up symptoms, but haven't taken off the springs to
check this out. Maybe I will, but the car is destined for the scrapyard -
too much rust.

Stuart.

 

IIRC all the 760's were originally fitted with Nivomats. Consequently
they had a low spring rate to allow the shocks to pump up. Many owners
simply installed standard shocks as a replacement. Check the wire
diameter against a set from 740 wagon in a salvage yard. If it's the same
opt for new springs. If it's larger swap in the used springs.

Bob

 

Did it have Nivomats to begin with? I was under the impression that only the
IRS cars got those, but maybe the solid axels did too. Either way if it had
them you need to replace the springs with ones from a 740 if you don't use
Nivomat shocks. Another cause of a sagging rear end is bad bushings, with
the age of the car there's a good chance yours are quite worn by now.

 

Solid rear axle spring coil diameters are - Sedan (Saloon) 11.3mm, Estate
(Wagon) 11.8mm, Nivo springs (both Sedan and Estate) only 9.8mm.

I'm in the process of converting my standard shocks to Nivo's. I know most
of you guys are anti-Nivo but I happened to buy a pair of them brand new at
a very good price, they're made by Sachs and they only cost me AU$550
(US$390), and I prefer the softer ride offered by these shocks.
_________________
Will
'90 Volvo 744 GLT (B230F) - daily driver
'73 Volvo 164E - awaiting repair & restoration

 

No, solid axels got them as well, I suppose on only some models. We have
nivomats on our 93 960 wagon, which is a solid axel.