99 V70XC IPD nivomat conversion installation (IPD & FCP/Volvo differences?)

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 30 May 2026, 15:13

I am about to start replacing the Nivomats & Springs on my 99 V70XC using IPD Nivomat Conversion Kit

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/56840/N ... crumbs=987

IPD tells you to re-use spring & shock mounting hardware.
I got the sping bump stops & retaining pins also.

On the other hand, FCP has Volvo Nivomat Conversion Kit
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 9461631kt1

Volvo kit comes with shock mounts & sway bar link nuts also.

Any one know the differences between the two kits?
Do I need the volvo shock mounts?

Ihncheol Park

VolvoOwl98 · Post by **VolvoOwl98** » 30 May 2026, 15:39

I ordered the kit from FCP Euro when I did the tefresh on Saskia, the shop used the new hardware that came with that kit (except for the shock mount seats that are shown for concern of affecting the ride height) with no issue.

According to IPD, “On the spring mounts in particular, the upper mounts set ride height on XC vs standard ride height (S70/V70 AWD, V70R) models.”

This was before I had a copy of VIDA, so I didn’t have that for reference, though the diagrams on the Volvo Parts Webstore (link: https://www.volvopartswebstore.com/?sr ... jU6PHvLw7m) should have any differences if you’re concerned about parts.

I did order replacement rear sway bar links too. Bo clunks from the suspension so far and she’s been riding smooth

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 31 May 2026, 13:07

Still can't get the sprin out.

Unbolted trailing arm mount from chassis & the chassis support right behind it. Swaybar link connections on bottom of the lower arms both side are is disconnected also.

Do I have to unbolt bolt/nut from the inner or outer of the lower control arm?

Not even sure if I can put them all back together...LOL

Any suggestions?

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 31 May 2026, 13:14

Mounting nut on top is smaller size on IPD conversion kit. Shock is PPS 72431631.

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 31 May 2026, 17:25

Well, will this hold?

VolvoOwl98 · Post by **VolvoOwl98** » 31 May 2026, 20:15

I think it should, since the angled outer portion will be what’s making the contact to the shock absorber, and the top of that mount will be pressed up against the mounting point on the car’s chassis (and there’s the nut on the strut and the weight of the car pressing things together, too).

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 31 May 2026, 22:59

I just got right side done. on and off took nearly 12 hours.
This thread helped a little. Had to get long pry bar (at least 24" required) to lower the lower arm after undoing the bolt/nut
viewtopic.php?t=78245

I couldn't get the bump stop to lock on the retainer pin. Not even sure how those 4 notches will lock on to the foam/polyurethane bump stop. Wish it was bolt/washer on the bump stop & washer/nut on the upper spring mount. Well, I super glued it since it has to stay with upper spring mount.

Then, it was really hard to get the lower arm back up to the hub since the chassis support (1 screw) & front of the trailing arm part on chassis (3 schrews) were out. Trial and error on raising & lowering the arm and trailing link took a while to get the arm back up to the hub.

2 of the nuts on the shock bottom only locked with 1. the other didn't even had the thread coming down. For that I had to fidget with the trailing link & arm again.

it will be good to have 2 floor jacks and scissor jack. Volvo scissor jack has virtually no use since it is not flat on top.

I hope the forecast changes to dry weekend so that I can finish left side next weekend. I don't have a garage and had to do it in the parking lot. Vast pump & wiring kit are to be here on Tuesday.

Anyway, right now. Right side has a little more than 2" gap between the top of the tire and body. Left side went up a little because of the right side being done.

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 01 Jun 2026, 11:55

Couldn't lock the top last night. IPD conversion set comes with 17mm Lock Nut for the top.
17mm locket on impact driver can't tighten once the lock engages. Car is sitting on it's own weight.
So, I sent a message to IPD if they have tool to tighten/loosen the nut on top of the shock. Volvo tool is I believe 18mm.
The support guy says to use vice grip to hold the top (2mm height) and turn the nut with wrench.

If the shock sits dead center, it may work, but it is in an angle. So, I found a 17mm socket with shaped center piece with handle at Amazon & ordered it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087CQN3QB?re ... asin_title

It should work with IPD nivomat conversion. I will update when it gets here.

Post by **scot850** » 01 Jun 2026, 12:19

What I find curious is that the Nivomat has a rubber insulator and centering cupped rubber coated seat for both the underside and the top side. How does the converision do this as it only has one washer, or do you reuse the upper one on the inside where the nut sits?

I'm wondering what springs they use for this conversion? Are they just standard springs for any wagon or are they slightly stiffer to compensate for the loss of the Nivomat which does some of the rear end suspension springing?

Neil.

PatternFlyer · Post by **PatternFlyer** » 01 Jun 2026, 12:57

Neil,

I used both pieces of the shock mount that came with the car. one goes on top of the shock. the other with metal on top of the subframe. my video in previous post shows both on the IPD shock with the lock nut on.

Not sure exactly which spring it is (attached a picture of springs side by side). It is thicker coil. same length, but seems a lot stiffer.
IPD conversion shock doesn't have much of stiff ness, I can extend it and retract it with a little force. It doesn't move fast. Just slow.
I am going to add a 10mm ID washer under the lock nut to fit a little better & on the center of the mount.