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I have installed about twenty sets of the KYB GR2/Excel struts and shocks. Very reasonably priced and I have several sets out there with over 20k on them and still doing fine. I expect the rears will do 50k and the fronts at least 30, but hopefully more. Perfect for "stock" suspensions in my opinion.
I have removed Monroe and "Sears" strut cartridges to find them blown with 20k miles or less on several occasions. A little amazed by that. I used to swear by Monroe shocks and ran them on many vehicles, but I admit never in the struts of a Volvo.
For more performance oriented suspensions (and drivers) Bilstein HDs. I have never had a problem installing them in early or late cars--yet. Have them on my own DD wagon, a 91, and love them. Expensive, to be sure, but I stock them anyway, along with the KYBs.
Did a 93 with Tokicos a couple of years ago. No problems, handled well, no idea on life expectancy. The car was wrecked. Not sure if they are still available.
I used the Sears version of the cheap, HFrt compressors for years on all my Datsuns and then many Volvos. When they wore out I started buying the HFrt sets. I think I've had three and I was always careful to change them out before the parts became worn enough to slip or snap. Only had that happen once, thankfully. Finally, after many years, I invested in HF's more upmarket compressor, the all-in-one unit that clamps both sides at once. Just love it, a pleasure to use. You can take a strut apart on the car in minutes.
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