Trana - there is a conversion, yes. However, it involves using modified Ford halfshafts and axle tubes which are then adapted to the Volvo differential. Essentially, you end up with a Volvo exterior with Ford internal parts. Expect to spend $1500 to complete the swap.

This setup is considered superior to the Volvo drums as it allows you to be rid of the tapered halfshafts Volvo used, which were known to break under hard use. Volvo offered harder/stronger halfshafts to remedy this, but didn't change the part number - so finding them or identifying them is near impossible.

Shayne at ipd is working on torque rods and trailing arms that will allow a later axle to bolt into an earlier sedan without modifications - this would allow an 1800E axle to easily fit a '66 or prior 122 or 1800 model.

Long manifolds made by Misab, which are very similar to the Volvo Competition Service manifolds, are available through Unitek in Sweden.

I wouldn't expect an improvement in braking ability, but I changed my rear axle to be done with the tapered halfshafts. I don't race the car, but I have increased the horsepower output of the engine substantially...

Best,

Cameron
Rose City