Just got done replacing the front struts and sway bar links of my XC70 151k miles. Got all the parts from IPD mainly because they have Quick (preloaded) struts. I picked the IPD strut assembly with Sachs shocks. I also picked the IPD links. Overall, it was not difficult to do. I spent more time figuring out the wrench sizes to use ...lol! It was also very handy having a cordless impact wrench for loosening/tightening lug nuts and loosening/tightening bolts holding the struts . I use a Dewalt 1/2" drive. I have pneumatic impact tools but the cordless tool is the way to go. Minor matter - If you get these same parts from IPD, there is a plastic clip holing the ABS sensor wire attached to the old strut. I didn't realize IPD had included them loose in the box. Instead, I popped the old ones from the old shock and zip-tied it to the new strut. Next time I work on the front wheels I will install the IPD supplied ones.

Next I will replace the rear shock and springs. I've seen enough broken springs on videos online that I feel I should replace my springs. Planning on getting the Lesjöfors - 4295844 from IPD and the Aftermarket - 72430056 shocks and their IPD links. Not sure if I will need to compress the springs but If they need it I'll just bring them to my NAPA machine shop for $15 a piece. My rear shocks/Springs are mounted on the front side of the trailing arms - not in the center like many shown in youtube videos. The spring rests on the lower part of the shock.

 

usually the broken spring issue is for specific models like the Gen 1 S40s which use a very tall coil that snaps off the last 3 inches of the top coil. never had an issue on our 850 in 250K miles but replaced 3 on the S40. Not sure if that's an issue with XCs. As to DIY, I had to buy 16mm and 18mm impact sockets as my kit was odds and it seems Volvo likes those even sizes :-). One other thing I've done is I replaced the stock sway bar end links with the IPD heavy duty version plus I'm a big fan of the IPD HD sway bars.

 

Thanks. I have all the tools I need - sockets, wrenches, ratchets, etc.

I'd be curious if anyone has replaced rear springs with a setup like mine. And whether the spring/shock had to be compressed.

 

like this?

 

I have seen this. It's a good video but some steps were skipped especially the one showing mounting the spring/shock assembly. Although this video does indicate that the spring will need to be compressed. If it will get to that, I will bring the parts to my NAPA Machine Shop and have them do it.

 

So I worked on the passenger side rear today. Got everything unbolted including the bolt on the lower end of the shock. I noticed that the shock rests on a shaft that is connected to the trailing arm. After removing the bolt it looks like you just slide off the shock to dismount the shock/spring assembly. I used a screwdriver to pry it off. But noticed there is tension due to the spring so I stopped. I wasn't sure how much tension. Didn't seem like much but I was afraid it might pop off with force so I stopped and put everything back. But changed the sway bar link first. I told myself I'll research it a bit before tackling it again. Should I be concerned prying off the shock? . Any thoughts on this for those who have done it?