Parts!

The Wossners finally came in, along with the new suspension bits and the oversized intake pipe upgrade from the later diesel 9-5.

I ordered the Bilstein B8/Maptun spring kit a few weeks ago. I haven't see loads of opinions on this kit, but the consensus is good.

I'd always planned Eibach springs but the price difference was about $600! More than enough to change springs later.

They are a progressive spring, and apparently a copy of the (discontinued) springs Hirsch made for their special edition 9-5

At 15mm lower than the Saab Sport Suspension, the car gains a sporty, purposeful look. The sports suspension’s lowered centre of gravity also gives you a clear advantage in driving dynamics, improving both braking and cornering performance. The lowered stance also reduces the aerodynamic drag by covering more of the wheels, and improves high speed stability through reduced aerodynamic lift thanks to the reduced ground clearance. The progressive spring setting allows an even more comfortable ride in normal traffic, yet offering a significantly improved body control for dynamic high speed driving.

I had Koni adjustables on my old '99 9-3, but in all honestly I didn't love that setup.

On the side I've been thinking about balance shafts a bit.

I've not yet read of anyone removing the inner bearings for machine shop work, and because of the need for a special tool, and the fact the bearings on the balance shafts look fine, I was going to leave well alone.

If they come out trashed I guess I'll have to work it out.