I am planning to replace the front struts and rear shocks on a 93 240. What else, other than A-arm bushings, need to be purchased in order to get it into shape.

I want to get all of the parts together and in hand before starting the project.

Thanks
Frank

Whatever you do, don't replace the front upper strut mounts with cheap aftermarket units "while you are at it". I did just that several years ago and the POS aftermarket mounts self destructed. They started showing cracks and separation of the rubber within a month and were complete trash within 10k miles.

So, if you have real honest to goodness Volvo strut mounts on there and they are in good shape, keep using them!

Rear shocks should be a cakewalk unless you really want to get into rear suspension bushings. Select your shocks of choice.

Front struts are a little more intense. Below is a MSWord file with photos I put together describing my "ah-hahs" on what to order, tools and things I made up to make the job easier for a one person operation. IMHO, front strut replacement requires planning for the unexpected and since I expect to put alot of effort into dropping a strut, I want to make sure I'm not surprised and can fix things simply and right while the strut is down.

http://sitemaker.umich.edu/mdmmath.aghs/files/volvo_240_front_strut.doc

Hope you can open it up.

For the fun of Volvos,
Mike
--
'83 245 GLT, '92 245DL, '90 760 GLT

Sorry Mike I could not open the file, but I think I have just about everything needed.

Thanks,
Frank

I've noticed that the file takes a while to load. Thanks for the feedback and good luck.

Mike
--
'83 245 GLT, '92 245DL, '90 760 GLT

Really, the only thing to replace while *doing* struts is the strut mount/bearing if it's bad.

If other bushings need done, those are doable as a fairly separate job... front/rear control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends if needed.

I guess it depends on how much you plan to disassemble. :-)

-Ryan
--

Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces, Draco Wheels
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars

I guess I should have said before that the tie rods and balljoints are all ok. I am not going to do the work myself but have someone who will do it and I just want all of the parts ready and available when he does the job.

Thanks,
Frank

For tools you need a set of spring compressors, an offset 24 mm box end wrench (or the Harbor Freight 15/16 SAE), and some sort of large wrench to turn the strut tube nut.

Things you might want to check before you take things apart, if not already changed the sway bar end link bushings and the tie rod ends. You will have to take all that loose doing the front struts so if they need changing now would be a great time to do them.

Regards,

Paul

A pair of Vice-Grip locking chain clamps is good for holding the strut tube steady while you wrench the gland-nut loose.

http://www.irwin.com/irwin/consumer/jhtml/detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd100322