Sierra estate suspension question

[Morgan84]

I suspect my 92 Ghia has Nivomat rear shock absorbers,and that they are getting a bit soft,and would benifit replacement,although they always pass the 'bounce test'. They aren't the standard type,as a while back I went to drop them out through the rear suspension arms as I had some 'standard' ones laying about,but found my ones would not pass down through the rear arm ( diameter too large ) so I simply bolted them back in and thought sod it. I don't see anything unusual about them,except for being more 'heavy duty looking'.

 

My question is,are the rear springs on estates with the heavy duty shock absorbers heavy duty,or are they weaker than models fitted with the standard shock absorbers.What I plan to do is fit standard shock absorbers to the back end,but will the rear springs fitted at the moment need swapping for standard spec as well ? I don't want to lower the car at all,as I'm happy with the standard ride height.

 

1992 Ghia 2.0 estate

[Pete-M]

Nivomats wear differently from normal shocks. When a Nivomat is worn the ride goes very hard and bouncy as it's the shock that holds the car up, not the spring.

 

Weird set up. Nivomats explained.

 

Yes, you'll have to change springs and shocks.

[Morgan84]

Thanks for that,at least I now know what will have to be done when they get replaced,which maybe will be on my next list of things to do.Yes,the back end of the car is a bit 'harsh' at times,but maybe I can sell the old Nivomats to some boy racer,and say they will have the same effect as coilovers so they can go bouncing down the road with crap handling,but look " Really cool man slammed into the weeds " !!