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Hello!
I've just replaced both strut assemblies on my '87 Volvo. Before installing them to my car, I decided to replace cartridges too. The struts assemblies were from a '91 donor car. As far as I know (and I've seen it disassembling the struts), the OEM Volvo cartridges are filled with oil not gas. Internet stores sell them as "Automatic strut inserts". Frankly speaking, I've never heard about "OE Gas" cartridges, but maybe, Volvo started to install gas-charged ones on later models, but till 1991 at least they used oil-charged. The gas-charged cartridges are compatible with automatic ones, but they are firmer and more suitable for performance driving and hence, for better steering. If you prefer soft ride, you better go with the automatic (oil-charged) cartridges. I, for example, ordered the Automatic Boge. Boge used to produce OEM cartridges not only for Volvo. Bilstein makes excellent cartridges but they are more expensive and, to my mind, made mostly for performance driving. Don't buy the ones from Monroe - the rumor says that they last 2-3 years.
As for the spacers, I've had the ones when I disassembled the donor strut assemblies. FCP Groton sells the spacers under the name "Strut Spacer (below strut cartridge)" – Volvo part #1229423. Most probably, your car has the same spacers because it’s ’89 car. What you can do is to buy them from Volvo dealership just in case and then return back if you don’t need them (like I did). They cost $9.00 only.
And a little tip when you will be disassembling the strut assemblies. The cartridges are held in place with help of some kind of lock nuts, which require a special "gland nut tool". These nuts can be "frozen" due to age and rust, and may be tough to unbolt. I used penetrator, vise and 18" plumber wrench ($13 in Home Depot). This wrench is pretty much powerful tool because its head is made from very strong Chromium-Molybdenum alloy and has good grip.
Good luck.
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240DL 1987 silver-blue wagon, >240K miles.
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