GLT suspension

[StvC]

Hi all, Matt was telling me the suspension was different on the GLT to the GLs? Lower? Stiffer? Springs or Shocks?
Does this mean if I source the GLT components they fit straight on?

I will be more proactive chasing up the few breakers mentioned here when I know the above but if you have any I would be interested to know your best price.

Cheers

Steve

[Antz]

GLT suspension is apparently stiffer and lower BUT finding a full set could be difficult. The Front struts are different, lower springs and they had thicker anti roll bars over the standard models.

Somewhere along the line my GLT lost its specific GLT front struts and gained standard legs with Kilen 40mm lowering springs which were fine. I then added a full set of front and rear damper adjustable inserts from Gaz Shocks to make it nice and stiff with a pair of IPD 25mm anti roll bars.

Handles like a gokart now (a big go kart)

I think you may struggle to find good used GLT items, let alone without having to get them reconditioned. I would stick with what you have, upgrade the springs, get some decent inserts for the front, good dampers for the back and have some fun.

Actually above all, I would polybush the whole car first thing. Those ancient bushes will be most likely well past their best and a set of poly ones will tighten it all up nicely, even at stock ride height.

[geoffo]

just a thought on this - which do you recommend, standard or upgrade?

[Antz]

Personally I'd go upgrade as the floppy soggy suspension really annoyed me on my old GL. In the end I coupled that with a set of Spax 40mm springs, genuine Volvo towing shocks, lower strut braces and new standard Volvo bushes.

It handled really well but wasnt a horrible ride either for a daily car either. It took away the wobbliness that the 240 is known for, improved handling but never compromised load carrying either. It made it look like a normal height car to be honest.

My current GLT isn't a daily driver so Ive gone for a much more performance ride which is quite stiff as Ive found out on the short roll to my workshop from the exhaust shop. Comfort doesn't matter on that so it was ok to compromise ride quality for better handling.

For a daily driven 240 I would just go with some good quality lowering springs, some lower strut braces from WWW.DVS.NET.AU and make sure the bushes are in good condition.

[StvC]

get some decent inserts for the front,

I saw you mention these? What are they, where do they go and what they do?

What makes the suspension lower and stiffer, just GLT springs, or are the Dampers different too.

[Antz]

Originally Posted by StvC

I saw you mention these? What are they, where do they go and what they do?

What makes the suspension lower and stiffer, just GLT springs, or are the Dampers different too.

The entire front legs are different on GLT's which includes the shocks (inserts) and the springs. The GLT was lower by, I think 15mm over the standard 240 and the shocks were different but I know what made them different since my GLT had standard legs on it when I bought it. They also have thicker anti roll bars at the front and back.

I bought some front shocks from http://www.gazshocks.com/ that were custom made at the time but they will still have the measurements on file and be able to make more. They are fully adjustable in dampening (making them stiffer or softer as you like). You can get both front and rear shocks like this to give you full adjustment on how stiff or soft you want the car.

Slap in some lowering springs by Kilen or Spax and youll be laughing.

[StvC]

Ah I actually knew the answer to inserts, silly me. That was my whole plan. I was gonna get some GLT shockers and do the Saab insert mod as custom gear (off the shelf) is unjustifiable on a low mileage 2nd/3rd car.

[classicswede]

The GLT front struts are different and came with mono tube dampers. The rear dampers are also mono tubes.
The springs are a little shorter and stiffer that base model cars.
Anti roll bars can also be thicker but there are many variations across the models and ages.

You would be better off with new aftermarket parts rather than messing around with worn out second hand parts.