I plan to replace shocks and struts, and wonder - what other parts do I need for this job? What is normally replaced with the shocks/struts and what is kept original. There must be some bushings, mounts etc that I will take apart and will want to replace.

Also, if I do not for Bilsteins, what's the OEM brand? Boge?

In general, how hard is the job? Is there any way to keep the alignment?
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'95 Volvo 850 GLT, 93K, all stock

If I was replacing the shocks and struts I would definitely replace the spring seats too, and possibly the strut mounts.

As far as installation goes, this is when you need to decide how good of a mechanic you are. Automotive springs can kill you...but then so can a toaster. Like most things, if you know how to do it, it's simple, if you don't then it is difficult. Mostly it is a fairly straightforward job to do the work. You will need to rent a strut spring compressor from your local auto parts shop, (be sure to grease the threads before use) you will need to have a good set of metric tools and a torque wrench, but it's not too complex. It's more intimidating than anything. If you don't know how to do it then buy a book!!! I'm pretty sure the Haynes manual tells you how to do it. Be sure to get it realigned when you finish.

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Nathan Valles, Black 855R, Tint

In addition to the upper mounts in the front, the rear upper mounts are known to fail. You may want to do those too. Easy to do later if you need to though.

As far as difficulty goes, the rears are trival - one bold at the bottom, then you unbolt the upper mount and pull the shock/mount out through the trunk.

The front is pretty easy too, but takes longer. The only thing that you can't do at home is move the spring from the old strut to the new one. You can probably take the strut/spring off and bring it to a mechanic who has a spring compressor. He can transfer it to the new strut and you can bring it home and stick it back in.

Alignment - as far as I remember, there's nothing that you'll do that is certain to screw up the alignment, but it's always a good idea after you do major front end work. I had mine aligned after the upgrade, and it was till in spec.

HTH,
Eric

Yuri- you will want to replace the strut/shock mounts and 2 bump stops. I got from IPD for about $30+ shipping. For some reason my installer could not see where the stops go, so I have may to let someone else check it out. Since you seem like a "mostly stocker"(nothing wrong with that, by the way) type, the Sachs/Boge is OEM. I believe Monroes make a very good one for the non-demanding driver. Another very good brand is KYBs, but not sure if they have an application for the Volvo 850. The job calls for a pro(special equipment) and I belive you should realign(even thou I didn't) after install. Ciao,BD

monroe has gone bed recently - I worked in an autoparts store and would not recommend to use monroe - they went bed after 2 years on my pontiac

KYB does not make struts for 850, only rear shocks

there is no way you can change wheel alignemenet since it the camber is not ajustable from the factory

there is a 'special volvo only' nut on the top of the strut that holds the spring seat and the spring which was difficult to get out when my mechanic did it in the shop. i personally would not doitmyself since the job is not easy