In order to pull the engine, you still have to remove the axles and steering gear components. So, with the front of the car on jack stands, I assume you dont have a lift, just remove the axles and components and unbolt the tranny from the engine and drop the tranny. Still a lot of work, but you save on a bunch of wiring and exhaust work.

I have made use of two salvage yards, one in Wisconsin and the other is Erie volvo, both give you a 1-2 year money back on the used tranny. There should be one in TN, just call around.

I would go for a 1998 V70 before getting a 1997 855. But that is just my thing. What ever you do, ignore 2001-2 Volvos. And make sure there is maintenance history on a used car.

Remember, the 1995 was the last year for the little black boxes that tell you what is wrong with the entire car. Hand held scanners do a poor job of engine problems and will not report on anything else.

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat