suspension changes

[Ed.]

I will soon be looking to change front strut top mounts, droplinks and front shocks. Are there any advantages in going for pattern/volvo/ipd droplinks? In getting these changes, would it be necessary for me to get a full wheel alignment?

Ed

[nobananas]

If your changing the front shocks you will loose the camber setting as soon as you undo the two bolts securing the shock to the hub carrier. The bolt holes are larger than the bolts allowing the hub carrier to be tipped to give adjustment of the front camber. This will obviously have to be reset (as will the tracking) by a body shop or garage with the correct alignment gear.

[Saaamon]

You should avoid pattern on a Volvo, genuie parts are of a much higher quality. Replace all the parts you mention with Volvo but maybe consider getting uprated shocks and springs, they will make a big difference and will help keep the car flatter through the bends.