I am trying to decide between Sachs or Bilstein for my 1990 Volvo DL. After having KYB's I learned I hate firmness. So, between Sachs and Bilstein which gives the best and smooth ride?

There are 2 different Bilstein shocks - HD and touring class. There are 2 types of Boge/Sachs shocks - automatic and turbo gas. The Boge automatics are a direct replacement for the factory shock. I've heard good things about the Boge Turbo gas shocks - basically a good compromise. Are KYB's firm? - I thought is stood for "Keep you bouncing" :lol:

Which shocks would be best for my Volvo???? My Volvo is my investment and I don't want to get cheap parts for it.

You'll get the softest ride from the OEM Boge Automatics:
http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-200/Suspension...69-265-469-731/

Thanks! Man, life sucks for me. My step brother in law owns a Volvo repair shop. He bought 2 KYB GR-2s from Car quest for 35.00 and charged me 80.00 for each one. That's not including the $95.00 labor! If he was going to give me a horrible deal, I wish he would of least used the right shocks. Now I have to pay all this money out again to do it right.

It sounds like the Boge automatics are probably what you want-if you want the softest ride. Bear in mind that the Boge Turbo gas and Bilsteins will last much longer so if you plan to keep your 240 for a long time, the Turbo gas may be a better investment. Bilsteins are designed for performance and for cars with shortened springs so the ride will be harder. It's always a compromise.
I thought the KYBs were soft and soggy - you learn something every day.
You can get these shocks from several online sources. Is there any chance you could take the correct shocks to your relative and shame him into fitting them for free and reimburse you for the $160 for the KYBs? He should.

How about just getting the stock replacement parts instead of going for aftermarket? It will ride like stock. Also, I wouldn't use your brother-in-law as a mechanic anymore. Easier on the holidays. unless you are going to give him a brownie made with EX-LAX as a gift :57:

I'm never going to use him again. I called other Vovlo repair shops and they gave me cheaper prices than him. I plan on keeping my Vovlo the rest of my life. If I get the Boge Turbo's, will they be as soft as the Boge Automatics?

Shocks are a really personal thing. 240s basically have soft springs (under sprung) so you need good dampers to compensate for this. A shock that is over-damped (too stiff), like the KYBs you had, don't dampen impacts so you'll feel jarring. An under-damped shock will absorb impact but they lead to mushy handling. A good quality shock that is correctly damped will absorb impacts but stop excessive body roll, diving under acceleration and braking etc. - so you get the best of both worlds. I'd call the guys at IPD and ask their opinion, the staff have probably tested both models of shock in one of their cars and will give you a good idea what to expect.

Good call. Also call or email the actual manufacturers and ask their tech lines their recommendations.

Or you could save yourself some money and do the work yourself. It is the easiest suspension item to work on. Just two nuts on the top and bottom. Push the bottom bolt out and then remove shock. Installation is reverse of removal. Takes me about 10-15 minutes each side at the most. As for the shocks I'd go with what you prefer. I like firm rides so I use Bilstein. But use Boge Automatics if you want the ride to be soft.

ya, that is what i really want to do! but i don't have stands or any tools for that matter.
if i bought the tools it would probably cost me the same as to have it done, right?

just contact the manufactures and ask their opinion. tell them your likes and dislikes, not saying to buy the first set from anyone, but at least hear them out and listen to their reccomendations. that way you will be an informed buyer with several different types shocks. then you can make a decision based on this info. just asking anyone you will get a hundred different answers. I like my shocks to be on the firmer side, but I also drive faster than I should. I have another vehicle for the luxury aspect of a softer shock and use this one for a firmer, more sportier experience.

Haha oh no not at all. All you need to do is ask a friend for jack stands, a floor jack, large screw driver, hammer, a deep 19 mm socket, and a electric impact wrench and you are set! I dont have much tools but those are really all you need to do any kind of major work on a 240. Well you are going to need a full set of wrenches, and other misc tools but if you think about it. If you go out and buy those tool you'll be able to to save so much more money in the long run. I was quoted 250 dollars to install a fuel pump check valve which is he size of a AA battery. 15 minutes in my driveway and it was in. :beer:

I put the bilstein touring on my sedan, its firmer than the original ones, but still pretty soft. i want something stiffer.

I can't speak for shocks on a Volvo but I have Bilstein on my 06 Chevy 2500HD and I LOVE them. The ride is night and day over the factory crap! I would recommend Bilstein's as I know they are quality. I cannot speak for the rest.

If those are too soft for you then you should go Bilstein HD's or some Koni's. But those can get quite expensive.