Hi all,
According to the chassis# of my '94 855, it has earlier replaceable ball joint A-Arms. From the ipd website, it reads later A-Arm "wIll not fit" earlier ones like I have on my '94 850. On the other hand, FCP is selling newer type control arms for '93s with this note: "Volvo 850 front left control arm. When replacing the control arms on 1993 models, you must replace the left and the right at the same time to update to the current setup. The control arm we sell includes the mounting bolt kit." What is the deal?

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5478/271901v-front-lower-control-arm-left-850-s70-v70
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/6274/nm/Volvo_850_Front_Right_Control_Arm_1993_Genuine_Volvo_See_Notes_for_fitment/category_id/181

If indeed I can used a pair of newer control arms, would you recommend after market vs OEM? The price differences are HUGE...almost $200 for the pair.

Thank you!
Toshi

The factory Volvo parts manual specifically prohibits the substitution of parts from one of these designs to the other.

I have, however, in junkyards, seen various cars of various year with both of these suspension designs.

Not sure why they went from one design to another. I kind of like the idea of aluminum suspension components and a replaceable ball joint. Don't know if this design change was a cost savings implementation or a reliablity/safety issue.

Has anyone heard of particular failures associated with the aluminum arms???