First, thanks for all the input.

I decided to hold off on the balancer. One reason was that I was not sure I wanted to put the MTC brand in there due to potential quality problems (seem to remember not so favorable posts on MTC in the past) and the Volvo part was around $180.

Anyway, long story short, the balancer seemed ok and it would not be much of a big deal to put on in when/if needed. The electric fan on the 940 sure makes for easy access.
Questions I do have now that I have my first timing belt under my belt -

1. What is the best way to assure myself that I lined everything up and the timing is ok? I ask because I used the counter-hold tool to loosen the crank nut, but when I went to put the tool back in to tighten it up it seemed to have shifted a bit. I can not imagine how I could have moved the gear without knowing, but would like to be sure.

2. More general is what are the symptoms of bad timing. When I took it out for a little test drive it all seemed fine, but, again, I would like to know for sure.

Thanks,
Ian