You may be able to drop the tire pressure just a bit or go w/touring tires to get back some of the "comfort". I do a fair amount of driving on really bad roads, and the Bilsteins are a huge improvement over the original suspension in control. I will grant you that I've been amazed at the improvement.

How many miles do you have on the vehicle and is it a sedan or wagon? Do you have the original rear springs? Many of these were notoriously bad in many of the early 9-5's. Some of the dips and bumps made my car go all over the place before the changeover. The current ride is "firmer" but not really rough. Before the change, the suspension was "smoother" but had very poor tracking and control over the poor pavement, and was still a bit rough on the types of bumps you describe. The difference on highways is all good; at higher (but not crazy) speeds the older suspension was all over the place on curves and lane changes.

We also have a Volvo 850 with the base suspension that rides like a truck and doesn't handle nearly as well to boot when compared to my '99 9-5 (aero suspension and Bilsteins). It does have a lot more "go" though.

My experience with suspension changes is that it often takes a bit of an adjustment period. I'd try the tire pressure change first, and then go drive a used car with base suspension to compare the control difference vs ride quality before changing back. You may find that there is more of a tradeoff on the control that you are missing due to the "impact" you are noticing.

On the other hand, new OEM shocks will probably be an improvement over what you had with the old originals, and may be a better fit for you and your preferences. At least the rears aren't too much money in parts or labor compared to the front's, especially if you use some of the site sponsors.

Sorry to hear you're unhappy w/the upgrade.



posted by 68.160.3...

• Sigh... New Bilstein HDs, Good Control vs. Unhappy Ride, Reg Quiring, Fri, 5 Dec 2003 21:54:31
  • What are you runnning for tire pressure and tires?, mdj, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 10:00:40 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Tire Press 30-32 psi w/touring tires, stock 16 "rims, Reg Quiring, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 11:10:33
      • Tire Press 30-32 psi - I wouldn't go too low below, mdj, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 14:02:23
        • Yup. Will try 28 PSI just to see effect., Reg Quiring, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 21:11:45
  • helpful post, DW, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 07:15:27
    • Your welcome. I benefit from other's experience too!, Reg Quiring, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 11:25:32
      • q on swaybars, DW, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 14:34:35
        • Rear simpler; Front involves dropping engine subframe., Reg Quiring, Sat, 6 Dec 2003 21:21:49

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