Doing the last item (naturally...) on my front end work on son's 81 and I dscovered a big reason for the loose steering feel has to be the R. side inner tie rod - the ball joint which threads into the rack end has noticeable play. So I'm now into a time crunch and ASAP ($$$) shipping of the part.

IPD list them at $62. FCP at $19 and they state "aftermarket". Besides the $43, does anyone know if there's any notable difference in these? I can't believe they are the same exact item. OEM vs. Scan-Tech?
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Bob (81-244GL B21F, 83-244DL B23F, 94-944 B230FD; plus grocery-getter Dodge minivan, MGB, and numerous old motorcycles)

I visually inspected three different tie rods when I replaced the right side on my 81 Cam Gear rack: Meyle, and two different versions of TRW/Moog. The best by far was the TRW/Moog I bought from Swedish Engineering. It was finely finished, with nice polished steel like the one I removed from the car. The Meyle, and the other TRW/Moog (from CarQuest) both appeared to be lower quality. The finish was nowhere near as high quality on those two. Before this experience I did not know that TRW/Moog produced or sold two quality levels of the same part. The aftermarket parts business is full of surprises. Ask for details and prices. Don't assume IPD's is any better than Groton's. I've seen the exact same parts for wildly different prices. Good luck.
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Thanks everyone for all the information and advice, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, stock, B21F (non-Turbo), M46; 86 244, B230, 140k , auto.

I've use TRW (made in Germany) sold by Advance Auto and McQuay-Norris sold by Autozone (I've got two 83's). Both have well over 50k miles and are still tight. If you're looking for over 100k miles of life, then pop for the IPD's. jp

Used to get Lemforders when ordering from FCP. Latest shipment with ZF inners were German - Meyle brand. In fact, all the steering parts were. Don't know what brand IPD sells, have never bought anything from them yet...always considering sways.

Oh, and if you have any 700 or 900 wagons, the tailgate repair kit is nice. A bit pricey, but it saves having to find new mounting tabs and cut out metal mounting brackets.

As for being cautious about the brands, ask. I've never had a problem getting a straight answer from any of the Volvo parts places I've dealt with (FCP Groton, RPR, and IPD).

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alex

'89 765T, 173,7xx mi

Just like everybody else, IPD sells a lot of parts by Scantech, along with other manufacturers. Just because the price is quite a bit higher than the competition, I wouldn't assume it's a better part.

I also wouldn't assume the one offered by FCP Groton is necessarily a great part, just quite a bit cheaper.

I'll throw another supplier into the mix. Eeuroparts.com sells an inner tie rod end made by TRW, which is a good manufacturer, for $26.90. Add something to get your total to $39, and shipping is free. They've got great prices on Mann oil filters, and the best price on the net on Bentley manuals.
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1991 245, 61k miles, looking for a 5 speed 92-93 245 cheap.