I bought my 2002 V70 XC with a broken right rear spring. I am going to replace it and plan to replace both sides. However, I am trying to decide if I should:

1. Only buy two of the Lesfojor springs from FCP Euro ($59 each) and just replace them only. I am unsure but expect I'll need to buy some other parts. I'm not that interested in learning how to compress and mount the springs though.
2. Buy two FCS Auto quick struts from Rock Auto ($121 each) and have a much easier swap. I'm concerned about how many miles I'll get out of them and what the ride will be like.
3. Buy two 1A Auto quick struts ($236 each) and still have an easy swap. Is double the cost worth it for these quick struts?

 

did you look at the way the spring / shock are installed? Reason I ask is on my 850 and S40, the spring is not attached to the shock so you don't need a compressor to replace either... Curious if the XC's design is different.

 

I was going to ask the same question regarding "rear struts". V70's have separate rear shocks

I've yet to hear anything good about any "quick strut" product. They're cheaply made junk.

Hastening the swap appears to be the only thing they're designed for.

Any 2002 is going to need to have all 4 dampers replaced if not previously done.

This is standard maintenance. Look at the condition of your bushings during this adventure.

 

The rears are shocks not struts so it is not in an assembly as the fronts. IPD list the V70 and XC70 as being compatible. The picture of the shocks listed on some websites including IPD and FCP shows a shock with a spring perch which can thrown people off thinking it's a strut. Everyone list V70 only but may show XC70 as being compatible on their list.
.
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/7889...11753-30760056
.
1A Auto How to Replace Rear Shocks 01-07 Volvo V70 - The shock they remove do not have a spring perch and the lady thinks it's original.
.
.

 

yep, the only thing to look for when doing the rears is whether the car has Nivomats (ie load leveling) or standard shocks. If they have the Nivomat fat boys, the OP is gonna wince when they see the cost. If they have standard shocks, live is good, plenty of choices (but my guidance is just choose between OEM Boge/Sachs or Bilstein B6s - done both, liked both). As with any suspension job, look around for any other issues - worn bushings, brake wear etc.

 

.
For whatever reason if the rear does have Struts setup here is a video for that. Reminds me of XC90 setup?
.
.