Almost done

**JRL** · 06-20-2012, 02:52 PM

Since we finally got the subwoofer wiring straightened out and the sub working, it's time to finish up the XC.

It's a near perfect 07, as nice as anyone could want, but with 110K miles, every wear item has become a bit tired, so today I bought an S60R rear sway bar, new rear shocks, (rear springs were recently installed by the PO), fuel filter, transmission mount, front struts, front springs, spring seats, bearing plates, strut bellows and a lower front engine mount, (upper torque mount is new).
The only thing I did not buy today were control arm bushings. I need to call the PO's dealer to find out of they've been previously/recently replaced.

I already did a breather box, T belt and a few other things to get it almost to where I want it.
While we're doing this, I'll do a much closer inspection on the control arms/ball joints. If needed, that I need my dealer to do when it's aligned, I don't have a press.

All that will be left is to install the refinished 17" Sentinel wheels (with new Conti DWS tires) I bought and get some decent aftermarket speakers in the doors as the low rent OEM speakers do not sound good at all with the HU-850 Dolby I installed a month ago.

**JRL** · 06-21-2012, 05:39 PM

Getting there
Rear R sway bar is in (mine was going bad, one bushing was spinning around).
Rear shock assys. are together and are going in after this break.
I think we may be able to get this all done tonight. If not, certainly by tomorrow.

Edit: (8:30 PM)
I went back to the garage to help finish but my guy had already left.

Looks as if just about everything has been installed!
Still on jackstands. I know the fuel filter is still sitting in the box and maybe the two lower engine mounts, but otherwise it seems to be pretty well buttoned up!

All the shocks were very weak, no leaks, but I could easily pull and push them with little resistance and I'm weak!
Spring seats were not torn but old, very hard and ready to start cracking.
Bearing plates also seemed "OK" but why risk it at this point (111K miles).

**billr99** · 06-22-2012, 03:25 AM

Interested to hear how your R bar works. Please let us know when you get a chance.

Thanks,

Bill

**JRL** · 06-22-2012, 04:17 AM

I'm sure it will be a huge change but since the entire suspension was renewed at the same time, I suspect the XC should drive as new...or better!

**Astro14** · 06-22-2012, 05:42 AM

When you sell this one (and I know that you will someday...), please PM me!

**JRL** · 06-22-2012, 08:03 AM

Depending on how soon I sell her, it won't be cheap, regardless of the miles.
I would rate this one far better over most 07s with half the miles, it's essentially a near new 07 XC70!
The body and interior are 100% flawless as now are the mechanicals.

Right now though I plan to drive it for a while

**JRL** · 06-23-2012, 06:43 AM

DONE!...including a wastegate adjustment
Off to be aligned in the morning

_______________________________

Well, I must say it's been about 5 years since I've driven a brand new 07 XC but I just did!

Totally different, it's literally brand new. It drives like a brand new XC70... only better with the rear S60R sway bar.
What's also odd is the new springs and struts RAISED the XC by at least an inch, maybe more.
It looks like a jacked up 4x4! I know the spring are known to break but I forgot how tall these are when everything in the suspension is new and how collapsed they can get.
Remember this was a So. NJ car and they have pretty smooth roads and the suspension was not abused.

Dropped it off to be aligned and later I will run it through its paces on some of the twisties around here to really feel the difference.
ALL the new mounts have made it earily quiet too, no more clunks, clicks, clanks anywhere, the lower rear tranny mount was shot, the smaller bushing disintegrated when we removed it!

**JRL** · 06-23-2012, 10:02 AM

First drive after alignment and WOW!
We have a nice medium speed (can be taken at 55-75 MPH but it's a 35 zone) sweeping 45 degree or so left hand (off camber) turn near my home.
I could take that in my V70R pretty flat out in 3rd gear, today I did that turn at almost that.
Obviously I took that turn at maybe 10+ mph slower but with the new rear sway bar, it stayed nice. flat and was very neutral.
I'm sure when the 17s go on with better tires, I can up that by a good 5-7 mph with ease