Thanks long-gone. I am aware of the sway bar links going bad prematurely on the S80's. Mine were replaced under extended warranty at 87K miles, along with the control arm bushings on both sides. I now check the links every time I pull the wheels to rotate the tires (every 15K miles) by grabbing them with vice-grips and shaking up/down/sideways looking for any free play in the ends. So far so good at 135K miles.

As for the spring seats, the left side one was replaced at 75K miles and the right side one lasted until 120K miles. These parts are also known to fail on the S80's...the metal collar separates from the rubber.

I am still deciding between the Sachs and Monroe struts. Sure would be nice to save the $100+ with the Monroes. I see that IPD now carries the Monroe's so maybe they are OK. Also might replace the ball joints while I'm at it, FPC Groton has them for $18.

Just curious, where did you get the bumper stops? I don't see them on the Volvo parts sites (or maybe I just missed it).

And yes, I do have a good spring compressor. It is a NAPA brand that I have used numerous times over the years. You definitely don't want a failure with the springs under pressure!

Thanks again,
G Squared



--
2001 S80 2.9 (non-turbo), 135K miles