I'd like to improve the sway and dive on my XC70, I've been looking at some of the parts out there, anti-sway bar kits, and aftermarket sway bars with beefier diameter rod, sealed ball and socket, etc.

I've seen some negative reviews of IPD's sway bar replacements, the clunking isn't TOO bad on my car, but I'm looking to get rid of some of the "road boat" handling and the stiffer diameter, ball and socket set up seems like an upgrade and there's a ton of positives about handling improvements.

I'd do shocks and other parts while in there, tighten the axles if need be, etc.
What say you folks?

I have yet to really look at competitor parts from FCP, or others on the interwebs.

Any recommendations? T.I.A.

 

I did the HD IPD bars on my 850T wagon and I'd say it was the single best investment in handling. Dunno about negative reviews - other than suggesting the IPD HD end links are a must have (OEMs will wear out quickly) and it requires loosening the subframe to install the fronts. In terms of other ride quality factors, how many miles do you have? It may be time to refresh the struts (Boge Sachs are fine IMHO), control arm bushings/ball joins do wear - dunno if they are one piece for the XC70s like on the 850s but that's worth considering. Finally, get a high quality alignment once the new pieces.

 

It's honestly not that bad, I'm looking for handling improvements mostly, there's minor clunking but again not THAT bad. I've done some research and these seem to be a design flaw, and a high wear item, at least 60k miles and replace. IPD had some issues with their design initially and they claim to have solved it with higher quality design, sealed cartridge (I think?), etc.

This car has 175k miles on it, it's in great shape with a ton of parts and maintenance done to it, but I got it for $2,500 so I'm expecting to put money into it. IPD also has some HD control arms, I'm not sure if it needs that, but it's tempting to do it all.

I have about an 80%/20% love hate with this thing. The amenities and room in the cabin are great, at 6'5" with stubby legs and all torso this is the first car I've ever owned that actually felt "roomy" and I have severe spine trauma history and neurological disease so comfort is key. BUT it's not as user friendly by any means for DIY in my as yet limited experience between this and my 940 wagons. Never had an 850. I'd like to keep it through one New England winter and see if it's really a keeper, the ride height and noise alone may push me towards a non XC V70, but maybe not. I don't know. If I could improve the road handling I think I'd like this car a lot more. I'm running high PSI in the tires so the feedback in the steering wheel is noticeable.

Did you look at any other competitor parts? I spoke to IPD and explained what I'm looking for and they said going nutty with Bilsteins would not be in my best interest, it would kill the cushy "Cadillac" ride, which I really need. I'm really trying to "learn" this car, and do as much DIY as possible, but it's pretty intricate compared to the redblocks...and how. The suspension stuff I could do pretty easily though.

It WILL need tires before the snow comes...so an alignment would be done after I purchase a set of all four, looking into that for what's best as well on another thread. I think leaning to best road handling for tires is my best bet. My use of this as a true capable off road SUV type car is going to be pretty limited. Hell my old 940 non-turbo RWD with Blizzaks were some of the best "snow" handling cars I've had. I'm sure this thing will kill it in the inclement weather though.