erikv11

Bilstein TC are pretty close to stock, unless you're thinking of upgrading struts too, a pair of rear, stock springs may be your best bet for now. Try a PM to RussB, I think he recently put in stock springs from fcpgroton.

for stock fcpgroton.com is always good. you can buy OEM from them (ask them for a price) or they have aftermarket on their web page for your car's suspension. or eEuroparts.com is often a little cheaper than fcp and will definitely have a stock replacement. If you want improved performance from your springs, there is a load of reading available in the performance forum. Do a search or try posting over there maybe someone will throw you a bone. But most go with lowering springs if they want improved performance. And you'd almost certainly have to replace all four springs if you go with any kind of upgrade. I replaced my car's 140k stock rear springs with 50k stock springs and it improved handling. If you've got the mushy Nivo springs then stock will certainly be a step up (no pun intended ..).

What color are the Bilstein shocks, are they yellow (HD) or black (Touring)? What do you have on the front, stock or Bilsteins (if so what color)?

If you are replacing the tensioner then it will come compressed and you don't need to compress it. Unless you don't line up the marks properly before you pull the pin . fcp prices 27 t-belt 125 genuine volvo t-belt tensioner, hydraulic 48 t-belt tensioner roller 48 idler arm roller 49 water pump Hepu 297 total you can save a few bucks with eEuroparts.com, or you can ask fcp for the eBaY special (240 for everything but the water pump), but you get the idea, it is a $300 job to get new everything.

+1 locking tab ftw

we couldn't afford it

On the earlier years (93 and maybe 94) the bushings were not vulcanized. So the parts houses sell bushings for 850 bars. Often they list these parts as compatible with all years. And there are other, non-rubber aftermarket bushings out there. So time to time, people ask here about replacing the bushings. You can replace the bushings on the newer bars too, but you have to burn off the old ones (or something similar to remove them) and I agree that I'd probably replace the bar instead. Especially with so many good, OEM bars around from folks upgrading to IPD bars.

yes which means it is a hassle to replace the bushings - have to burn them off or something.