I haven't seen all that many 140s, but most of the ones that I have looked at, including my own"71 142E, didn't have the brace that steadies the front part of the exhaust against the gear box at the tranny mount. David Burnham, who knows about as much about 140s as anyone, said that I should have one to keep my nice, almost new, exhaust manifold from cracking. I've seen lots of cracked exhaust manifolds, so I ordered that brace at my local Volvo dealer's - #676611 (bracket), 1219561 & 1219562 (clamp); $13.61 plus tax.
Now, my shift stick gave off an annoying vibration rattle, despite new engine and tranny mounts. I figured worn slots in the tranny cover neck - nothing to be done about that, but, lo and behold, after mounting the brace this past weekend, the tranny vibration and stick rattle are gone. In fact the whole car vibrates less and is a whole lot quieter. I'm so astonished by the effect of that little piece of iron ( The biggest return on the smallest investment I have made in this car.), I just had to let y'all know.
Bob S.