yea, I think you guys are right about the left and right links. I know I could make the rod, and I could make one as strong as the factory one ,even use stainless, but it isn't worth the effort, because they seem to be obtainable for about 50 bucks per side.

but about the tie rod ends themselves. I am sure thes must be common to other cars and hence cheaply available. I called a couple of local parts dealers and they just say their catalogues don't go back that far. it isn't worth their time to start opening boxes, but if i knew the same ones were used in a certain model/year chev or ford I might have better luck.

same goes for bearings/seals/ujoints etc. I seem to be able to get much cheaper prices for the same parts if i get them from a bearing retailer than a place specializing in volvo parts.

Phil