Has anyone replace the Front struts/shocks of their XC70? What brand did you go with and were you happy with it?
Would be nice if a quick strut is made for it but not for my 04. Sachs makes one I believe but only for certain VINs. For my VIN looks like I will have to put one together. FCP sells the Volvo and and Sachs kits. I recently replaced the struts of one of my Accords with KYB and I really like how it rides. KYB will be worth considering for me.

 

Never done an XC70 but have done an 850 and S40. On the 850 I upgraded to Bilsteins and the S40 I used Sachs which happen to be OEM. The Sachs (aka Boge-Sachs) are pretty firm out of the box and are a good match for your springs. Most people consider KYB because of cost not quality or performance. Considering most of the cost is in the labor here, I'd go OEM (Sachs) or upgrade to Bilstein B6 Heavy Duty (B4s are their OEM equivalent so I'd do Sachs if that's the choice and stay with a factory spec). Just make sure you also replace the strut mount (that rubber part the springs fit into, not talking about the strut bearing). That's a common point of failure - IPD sells a heavy duty version as well.

 

Turns out KYB does not make the struts for this car. I have no problem getting them if only they are available.
FCP has the Sachs strut kits. I'll have to research the Bilsteins.

 

I just installed saches quick struts and rear shocks. Added about and inch all around in height from the old struts and shocks.

 

I replace the struts on my 2003 XC70. I ordered the quick struts from FCP along with new sway bar end links and inner&outer tie rods. Rides like new. No difference in ride height from original. The quick struts were from Sachs. I replaced the strut hardware as well (top nuts and the bolts as those stretch during final torque). Pretty easy install and I only used hand tools. I considered purchasing other kits (not assembled) but the sachs quick struts were a really good value and just an easier install. I have thousands on miles on them now and no problems. If I did I would return via FCPs return program.

 

Based on the KYB struts I put on my 07 Honda Accord 5 years ago, I would get KYB struts anytime. I replaced the struts on my 04 Volvo XC70 with IPD struts with Sachs shocks also about 5 years ago. I do not like how it rides. Almost like no shocks. The dampening of the KYB is much better. I really love how the Accord rides with the KYB. Even better than the original OEM struts. Too bad KYB does not make them for Volvos.