Thanks for the reply. I did the job last Saturday. R&R of the inner tie rod was relatively easy--very similar to same job on our 240s, but with a better place to "counter-hold" the rack. I used a 15" open-end adjustable ("Crescent")wrench on the tie rod end; it worked well.

I ended up replacing the outer tie rod end too--pretty "banana-ed" from the impact.

The dealer had the OEM sway-bar down-links in stock--and gave me a pretty good deal too--so used those for now (may go with IPD or larger QBM units if/when these fail in the future).

Strut and control arm looked good, but will confirm that when I get it on a lift.

Post-MX test drive went real well--tracked straight, felt nice and solid, no new noises. In fact, it seemed a little quieter, so I might have been needing to replace at least one of the sway-bar down-links anyways.

It goes in tomorrow PM for a final safety check and an alignment, then on to the body work next week. It's been pretty interesting how Volvo put the car together.

Still, we consider ourselves lucky that we could make this a learning--instead of a healing--experience!

Thanks again, and best regards,

Steve A-