I've done CV joints on FWD cars twice in the past and it was no big deal really, even for a duffer like me. But you are right, the potential is there for serious headaches, especially if the tranny gears / spline moves when you have the half shaft out. On my Taurus the book cautioned to NOT do both sides at once. Guess internal stuff could get messed up big time.

And it is not just CV joints that can be a pain. All too often, I start a simple job that just explodes. Can't count the number of times I have watched nuts drop down some orifice or I have bent over to pick up a bolt only to kick it into oblivion. Some days it just does not pay to get out of bed!

Bill [who has a limited number of power tools for his own safety]
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Volvo Info Site 1990 745GLE 16valve