Best Conversion Nivomats to Standard Shocks & Springs ,,,

[bob12]

Over the years there have been many posts here on the subject of converting rear oem Sach Nivos to standard shocks + harder springs.

I have a feeling I am at that point of change having failed the MOT today on my '90 745 (live rear axle) on a surprise 'Fail' respect a broken Nivo softer spring whilst the Nivos (not original)/backend still seemed (ride/height etc) to be visually OK from the outside. Hey, Ho that's old cars!!

I have always resisted the change but, I think it's now time costwise to bin the Nivos and their springs across the back end and replace them with the best that can be recommended by those that have made the swap.

I have put up a new thread on 'Wanted' in case anyone locally'ish has a spare Nivo spring!

In a nutshell, shall be most grateful to receive any recommendations from personal experience as to the make of shocks/series and matching springs to do a change without changing the handling/ride height much from the current with Nivos/springs.

From what I seem to recall from previous threads Bilstein (B4?) came out tops matched with Lijfors springs seemed popular and OK. All advices and thoughts most welcome.

Thanks to all in advance,

Cheers, Bob.

[J liddy]

I did the change over few years ago and glad I did. lesjofors heavy duty springs and sachs dampers about £260 . But seen people like the blistein B4 dampers . Should have done mine years ago. Only my opinion .let us know how you get on

[classicswede]

https://www.classicswede.org/shop/ni...40-940-760-960
available from stock so you could have it for Friday

If you wanted the best then the GAZ dampers would be the ones to use but the above kit will be your best value and work for the needs of most

The B4's ride ok (some complain they are a bit hard) but the biggest issue is I was getting complaints that the rears were knocking

[J liddy]

Classic swede will sort you out I'm sure

[griston64]

Originally Posted by classicswede

https://www.classicswede.org/shop/ni...40-940-760-960
available from stock so you could have it for Friday

If you wanted the best then the GAZ dampers would be the ones to use but the above kit will be your best value and work for the needs of most

The B4's ride ok (some complain they are a bit hard) but the biggest issue is I was getting complaints that the rears were knocking

What Gaz dampers would work best with 40mm lowering springs ?

[classicswede]

Originally Posted by griston64

What Gaz dampers would work best with 40mm lowering springs ?

You need to use the full length version

[griston64]

Originally Posted by classicswede

You need to use the full length version

Cheers

I have B4's just now that I'm happy with ( no knocking ) but quite fancy an upgrade

[bob12]

Thanks for those that inputed to my Thread but, the problem may well be solved albeit temporaryily! Time will tell!!

Although in due course I may well will be looking at a conversion kit via Dia at ClassicSwede however, as a result of my 'investigations' today I have found the cause of the MOT failure was very simple in that the o/s spring had jumped halfway out of the bottom recess on the trailing arm and had settled halfway in/out of its fitting on the trailing arm together with the unbroken rubber seating grommet! No wonder the ride height appeared OK with no strange noises!

Earlier I had found that the spring etc on my breaker (excluding the sad looking Nivomat) was a direct replacement but removal was a little daunting (!!).

So ... tomorrow whack on the spring compressor and settle the spring etc back where it should be!! I put the spring jump out of the trailing arm to the appalling state of the multi-deep potholed roads in Surrey rather than any other weakness.

Then .... hopefully a new MOT!! Miracles do however take longer and I shouldn't be doing this crap at my stage of life!!

Bob