Greetings, Haven't posted in a while as I'm happy to say my 99 S80 hasn't given me any problems for about the last 40K (knock wood). Although I did do the struts-mounts-bushings deal.

Anyway, I'm past due for a timing belt and I could use the benefit of any experience here on a few items. First, I have VVT on the intake sprocket, the hydraulic style tensioner and it's a non turbo. Also my only reference is the alldata website which I find somewhat incomplete, confusingly laid out, very weak on details and many times out of sequence and in conflict with forum knowledge and other tech articles.
Some of these questions are borne out of at confusion.

The text requires that the top engine torque bar (called various names in the text) be removed. I don't see that it's in the way of anything. Is it really necessary or is that just for turbos?

Some pictures in the text show the VVT unit on the intake cam and others on the exhaust cam. Obviously I can see where mine is, but I'm just curious, does it vary on different engines? Is it on the exhaust cam on the turbos?

There is a nylon disc that came with the new belt. It's not mentioned anywhere in the timing belt procedure. As far as I can tell it goes on the hydraulic tensioner. The text in other procedures (such as VVT R&R) mentions a "deflection limiter washer" that goes on the tensioner piston when the belt is put back on. Is this what the nylon piece is? Why did it come with the new belt and not one with the new tensioner?

Also regarding the hydraulic tensioner, the belt procedure just says to remove the mounting bolts and twist out the tensioner to remove it, but some other procedures call for a special tool to compress it before removal. Is the tool necessary or can you just twist it out as the one text mentions?

Should I try to remove the box with the ECU/TCU units to make more room or is that asking for trouble?

Lastly, for now, is it really necessary to remove the aux. belt pulley (remove the crank nut)? A few forum threads say you can get the belt off with it on. I know it make the crank timing mark more visible.

Thanks for any experience/help!