Diff oil in front shocks.

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mac
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by mac » 22 Jul 2014 06:30 pm

The original OE front dampers would have been "built in" to the strut tube (factory replacements would have been cartridge type).
You can't tell from the piston tube or nut unfortunately - only by taking apart and looking.

Millers Oils supply dedicated shock absorber oil in three grades - see link below.

http://www.millersoils.co.uk/searchresu ... er&search=

Mac.
88 5door Redline 1.7 52k - 19 XC60 Momentum Pro D4 AWD 17k
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olie30
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by olie30 » 01 Oct 2016 10:13 am

Just a warning about kyb's as somebody mentioned them, mine lasted a month and are totally shot, dont buy them

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SteveP
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by SteveP » 02 Oct 2016 11:18 am

Were they on standard springs or lowered?
1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
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classicswede
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by classicswede » 15 Nov 2016 10:24 am

KYB are normally decent and I have never had any trouble with them. They might not be so good and a very low car.

As to the diff oil I have now stripped a few front struts that have been filled with it and found teh same thing every time. The oil smells burnt, it look like off whipped cream with lots of air bubbles it much worse than what I expected
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mac
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by mac » 15 Nov 2016 11:15 am

Just as you would expect if you use an oil not designed for suspension damping! - severe foaming, overheating, and a REDUCTION in unsprung weight control!!!

Even specific damper oil with the correct anti foaming additives can suffer under severe conditions - hence gas filled dampers (an incorrect description if ever) in which the damping medium (yes, oil!) is held under pressure by nitrogen gas to reduce foaming.

Incidentally, there is nothing wrong with KYB units IF the correct damper is used - ie matched to the suspension characteristics. Using standard "daily driver" dampers in a lowered, stiffened, modified application or subjected to arduous use will result in early failure. Even bar room experts must see that!

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martinp
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by martinp » 13 Feb 2017 05:19 am

Great info on here guys, I am looking to recondition mine to cope with a lot of rough dirt/gravel/rock driving along outback Aussie "roads"
I also want to raise the car by an inch (ish) so the bigger wheels/tyres will fit without scrubbing the guards (inner guards) .
If anyone has some info to help me I would be greatful
I have read that Merc 190 springs will fit with a coil or so cut off - I'm still researching info before I do anything yet.
Oh by the way it's for a 1985 360 GLT B200 motor
1985 360 GLT hatch.

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SteveP
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by SteveP » 13 Feb 2017 10:47 am

Years ago '5lab' did the Plymouth to Banjul rally in a 360 and also wanted to raise the ride height... but was only concerned about the rear, able to carry a few more spares and luggage... in this case we fitted dual leaf springs which seemed to be pretty effective:

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1989 - Volvo 360 GLT
1985 - Volvo 360 GLS
2008 - Volvo S60 SE Lux

classicswede
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by classicswede » 13 Feb 2017 09:11 pm

I do longer dampers and a range of rally springs for the front. For the rear double springs will work or if you want to be able tweak the rare and ride height then the coilovers are the way to go
Dai

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martinp
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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by martinp » 14 Feb 2017 02:58 am

Hi guys thanks for the info, I need to do this for nearly next to nothing as the rally is called the shitbox rally for cars less than $1000. I have some old Holden booster strings for the back to cope with the extra gear we will carry. I am yet to pull the front struts out to see if they are gas or not. I hope to be able to find some longer? Springs to give me an inch of height at the most as I will have to pack the top of the strut to raise the car so the larger than normal wheels will fit without scrubbing on the under guard.
I know it's a big ask but maybe I can get it done for very cheap, I have access to and skills to machine up new bits if required.
I've done a lot of research everywhere but this forum seems to have most info on it.
By the way the wheels I will use are 13" rims from a Corolla variant with 175R13C tyres on it.
Oh the rally is not a timed event you just have to make it in your shitbox, the only time limit is how long you spend fixing your shitbox on the side of the road 20 mins is the rule then it's on the trailer to be fixed at camp that night.
1985 360 GLT hatch.

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Re: Diff oil in front shocks.

Post by classicswede » 16 Feb 2017 08:00 pm

If you can find some 240 rear springs you could just cut the pig tail off to use them and that should lift it a little
Dai

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