Volvo: RIDE QUALITY, low profile tires, mike spring

Question
Ray, our 96 850 Wagon has 145K. Runs, drives great. Changed shocks/ struts but the ride is HARSH. Running over any minor road imperfection is like over a 2x4. Can springs wear out? "Easy" to change out? Car runs too good to trade, just want to return the ride quality, Thanks, Mike in NE Florida

Answer
Mike,
Spring do get tired but usually do not cause a harsh ride. That is cause by the shocks and tires. If you have low profile tires (short sidewalls) that is a cause of a harsh ride. Go to a tire shop and ask about different tires and if the ride would be affected as well.
As far as replacing the springs they are easy to do. Front ones need to have a spring compressor and rear unbolt the shock and lower the suspension enought to remove the spring.