MK2 V70 D5 lowering shocks

[D5smoker]

Hi all, first time poster here so apologies if this is in the wrong place.

I have recently ordered a set of Cobra lowering springs for my MK2 V70 D5 (2007). I’ve gone for a 25mm drop in the front and 40mm in the rear. After plenty of research and forum reading the consensus seems to be a big no no to the use of standard shocks with lowering springs. So, my question is - does this specifically refer to “lowered” shocks such as Bilstein B8’s or is a set of updated standard length shocks enough to do the job?

Cobra Suspension informed me that their lowering springs are designed to be used with standard shocks, but I’d rather be safe than sorry and change the shocks whilst I’m tackling the springs.

If anyone has had any experience with updated shocks & lowering springs, any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[davebb]

Hi I am using KONI Yellows Adjustable front and rear on my S60 D5
I had to get them from Germany on EBAY
They ride very nice,
you Do have to cut up the original front shock to fit them
Dave

[b1mcp]

I had a 2004 V70 T5 for many years. I fitted Eibach lowering springs (30mm front and back).

When I fitted the springs I also fitted the Bilstein B8's. They are very, very good for the ultimate in handling. However, they were just too hard for me.

After about 1,000 miles I swapped them out and fitted standard OE spec Sachs/Boge shocks. They were a perfect compromise for me. (Note I also had IPD roll bars front and rear so that would come in to the equation).

I had the car for 5 or 6 years after fitting the standard shocks with lower springs and never had an issue.

[D5smoker]

Thanks for the reply, Dave. I’m not keen on the idea of cutting / modifying anything, however it is helpful to know that KONI’s are an option so thanks for that.

Thanks also for the reply, b1mcp. This is one of my concerns - that I would spend big £ on a set of B8’s and make the car uncomfortable and unpleasant to drive. It’s great to know that you were able to use OE spec shocks for that long. Perhaps i could look at an OE spec Bilstein replacement as a compromise…

[classicswede]

I had GAZ adjustables on S80 and they worked well on that. They are now on my brothers V70

For most lowering springs you do not need special dampers but it is best to fit new ones when lowering as the dampers will have worn in the working travel and that position will change when you lower

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by D5smoker

Thanks for the reply, Dave. I’m not keen on the idea of cutting / modifying anything, however it is helpful to know that KONI’s are an option so thanks for that.

Thanks also for the reply, b1mcp. This is one of my concerns - that I would spend big £ on a set of B8’s and make the car uncomfortable and unpleasant to drive. It’s great to know that you were able to use OE spec shocks for that long. Perhaps i could look at an OE spec Bilstein replacement as a compromise…

when people fit shorter springs they dont realise that when they do the damping is partway though the compression damping stroke which reduces the effectiveness of the the damper why anyone would want to lower a v70 unless for track use is beyond me as a standard v70 only has about 6in of clearance underneath. to start with

[stuart bowes]

at the risk of some controversy... Maybe I'm just getting old but I'm firmly in the don't lower it camp as well to be honest, having previous experience of crashing and lurching over speed bumps and pot holes in previous lowered cars, I've had two separate cars fully beached on big curbs and one of those also got stuck in a ford at one point (the water crossing, not another car..)

I think probably the worst bit of all though is the embarrassment when you give people a lift and they're like 'mate I think your suspension has collapsed' and you have to explain what you did and then they're like .. 'why?' lol

I know it does look better (hence having done it myself) and in theory it 'handles better' but in the real world actually what it does in ruin your car

still it's not my car who am I to tell people what to do lol each to their own (and I've done it myself in the past so I do get it)

[4x4]

I'm with stuart in the don't lower it camp and mine sits higher than most I've seen

[stuart bowes]

one of my mates a while back had an old 240 he lowered so low it once dragged a coke can all the way down the street haha

it's all fun and games until you accidentally tear your exhaust off

ah well like I said I do get why people do it I suppose you have to go through that stage at some point otherwise where's the fun, but personally I wouldn't go back to all that

my last attempt at it was on a BMW 323 and it looked the tits but there was one or two places I literally just didn't dare to go because I knew I couldn't get it over the speedbumps

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by 4x4

I'm with stuart in the don't lower it camp and mine sits higher than most I've seen

it looks like your car has nivomat shocks on the rear .how much clearance do you have under the engine? i cant get off the estate without the under tray rubbing the humps that have kindly provided by the local counsel to damage vehicles.