I would use bricks instead of wood as wheel chocks as they are less likely to move, having said that I splashed out on some proper wheel chocks.
You don't have to buy a torque wrench but if you are going to be working on your own car it's a very worthwhile investment, I use this and am very pleased with it:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000RA13...740111_TE_item
"Sealey AK624 Calibrated Micrometer Torque Wrench, 1/2" Square Drive, 465mm "
If you do buy a different one I would strongly recommend getting one that comes with a calibration certificate.
£40 for Volvo shoes with springs does sound like a good price assuming they aren't fake. I used ATE when replacing my shoes, cost about £18 from autodoc plus delivery.
>>Will removing the shoes and everything that broke off be good for driving it around for the time being?
It won't be legal to drive like that but from a technical driving point of view should be fine I think.
>>By the way, I called a volvo specialist called Voltech in Glasgow and they quoted me with 190 pounds for the job claiming they only use good parts and I was told the dealer would cost more and use lesser quality parts. Does that sound legit to you?
Seems a bit expensive but then it does take a while to do.
I call bull**** on their parts being better than Volvo ones though.