1968 Volvo project Pure Volvocity by 68EFIvert

4 minute(s) of a 519 minute read

I have been making progress on the suspension modifications. I changed the springs to PAC Racing Springs but 1" shorter to allow for more ride height adjustment. The orange color isn't my favorite but they will work.

I changed out my lower control arms for a newer version that has additional reinforcements. They were provided to my by Mad Volvo who too over the production and sales for Sweedish Ops. They are really nice and the finish was a perfect match.

I also installed the front splined away bar. That took a little planning since the sway bar bushing has quite a bit larger spacing between the bolts. I mounted the bushing to a piece of flat stock with a nut welded to the cack side of the steel where the back hole is attached. The front hole is mounted where the factory mount is bolted to. For the back mounting point I used an existing factory hole and installed a Rivnut.. This way I can go back to a factory bar style setup it if I want.

The arms for the sway bar was kind of fun. I ended up buying some pretty nice end links from Total Control Products that utilize heim joints and are rebuildable. The have a stud that comes off at a 90* angle that attaches to the arms. I had to cut the arms down and then tap them to accept the studs. Looks really clean and should work great. I still need to shorten or buy shorter bolts for the suspension crossmember mount. It looks like they may rub on the arm if I don't.

I also moved the upper link bar mounting pint to the inside of the frame rail. I picked up some brackets from Mad Volvo Performance. I had to cut some of the floor under the rear seat and still need to make that look pretty. I also picked up a revised upper shock bar that adjusts the shocks to a slightly different position and is less bulky than the original Sweedish Ops design.

I still need to mount the rear end back in the car but it is getting close to done with the suspension for now. I do plan on getting rid of the QA1 shocks for a set of JRI's. I am not sure if I will go with triple adjustable a or stick to singles. One last item, My wider wheels should be done this week. Once I get them mounted I will give the car back to the body shop so they can work their magic.

Here are a couple pictures of the rear suspension bar and brackets installed. And welded in place. The entire piece is removable for service if needed. Now it needs a little paint!