the last time i was on here i had a starting issue... fixed! wiring problem. well something else came from the initial disaster - i got a ratlling rear end. i've pulled the axle shafts out to check the outer bearings - light on grease but they spun rather freely so i just repacked them and reassembled. problem still persists - occassionaly on torquey take offs - possible bad link bushing? but the symptoms only promote that idea once in a while... while traveling over 35 mph the rattling increases with speed - note: i've noticed that the center support bearing rubber mount is allowing the bearing to sag a bit and can be moved up and down by hand with minimal force and the lower spring is protruding (purchased new bearing and rubber donut)... other than that everying apears fine; it's just that the interior is being rattled to to sound like a damn spanish gallion - anyone experience this? cuz i'm tired of looking in my rear view mirror at night and thinking there's 4 sets of headlights behind me when i'm being followed by just one car

Tim
White 1987 Volvo 240 DL with nothing special added

Sounds to me like you need new rear trailing arm bushings (TAB's). These are fist sized rubber/steel tube shaped units located in the brackets at the back of the rear axle. They have a huge bolt through them where the axle and the trailing arm meet.
Once they wear out, the best shocks in the world will do no good- the shock connects solidly to the trailing arm but the axle has an inch or more of free play with a bad bushing.

Replacing them also cures a sagging tail in these cars.

The replacement requires s special tool to prevent bending the ears on the rear axle. There are various ways to do it at home, but it is more or less an "advanced" job, probably best left to the shops. The bushings are not too expensive fortunately, though a lot of folks recommend using the more expensive Volvo brand units.
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: Roterande Fläkt Och Drivremmar!

Here's an excellent piece by Art Bernstein
on how-to-do these guys. let us know how it goes.
http://www-ese.fnal.gov/People/wilcer/volvo_trailing_arm_bushing_tool.htm