Just got my new Bilsteins (rear only, next month the fronts). Is there anything I should check out, replace, look for, or do at the same time as the shock replacement. I am assuming that the replacement will be straightforward, I last put a set on 20 years ago on an old Toyota, so it has been awhile.

Good time to inspect all rear bushings. The main rear bushings at the control arm-to-axle connection is probably bad. These take special tools to install. The trailing arm pivot bushings may be OK, but are getting bad with every mile. The upper control arm bushings are easy to fix. The panhard rod bushing are probably still OK.

I recommend that you use the ipd polyurethane bushings for all simple links, and Volvo OEM parts for the main bushings. You'll have to take the car to a good shop for these to be installed. Make sure the shop knows to support the rear axle assembly well after removing all the linkages. If not, the axle will hang by two very small brake lines.

Getting the bushings installed will do wonders for handling, directional stability, etc.

I just did my rear shocks. It was a breeze and I am new to the four wheel wrenching world. I got some great advice from this group. This was my method and it took less than an hour. 1) use a jack and remove the wheel. 2) Place a jack stand under the hub and leave the jack in place. 3) hit the bolts with a penetrating lubricant spray (PB is a brand I think I used), I think it's a 19mm bolt by the way. 4) Crank the bolts off, don't forget there is a spacer on the bottom one. 5) Remove shock and notice just how bad it is and how smart you are. 6) Compress the shock. 7) Install at top first. 8) Use the jack, I used a hydraulic, to lower/raise the position to get the bottom bolt and spacer in. 9) Tighten the bolts and admire your work.

Good luck.

Very simple to do unless the upper nut turns without coming off. That mount is actually a stud with another nut on the inboard side, if you have to get at it. Nice time to change the rear sway bar too. Good choice of shocks!