All good advice.. (for the most part) I appreciate everything I've heard and I've got a plan... Keep it coming!.. Still unsure about the gland nuts and whatnot. Pipe wrenches?... Special tools?... Stuff from Harbor Freight? (lol) If anyone has more advice on that, I'd be glad to hear it..

I have a feeling getting the dang thing off is the biggest challenge. I may/may not take it to a shop to have them compress the spring (I'll take the assembly off myself) and probably do the motor mount (Boge) as well.

But I don't need any new Volvo parts, like a new nut or anything?... Some goofy OEM plastic shield or anything?... If that's all good, I'm looking at a special tool, and maybe some plumbing equipment, and a couple of struts and mounts.

I'll inspect all the other parts I disconnect them, and deal with them later depending on the severity of their condition.

AND if I compress it myself, I'll take utmost precautions and wear maybe a helmet, a baseball cup and expect the worst. I mean, I've seen garage door springs replaced, and that's no joke either. I'll point it away from anything "hurtable", and pray for the best. Maybe test the "new" compression tool with minimal compression initially, keep it clean and greased, and then carefully "go-for it." Quick, nimble and safe.. Right?