Re: Suspension Question (pookybear)
Before ordering ball joints inspect the entire front suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires, bushings and supporting sub-frames.
If the steering box has too much slop and the adjustment nut is fully used up consider a rebuild.
If the steering column feels sloppy due to worn steering coupler grommets the new parts are very cheap but much labor is involved for replacement.
New ball joints are available from many online sources at varying prices and quality but your best bet may be to stay with ipd as you will have no quality issues while paying a fair price (not the lowest).
http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-12...1-118/
During the ball joint installation consider a full redo of the front wheel bearings, brakes, shocks, steering rods and ends, steering idler arm bush, ipd anti-sway bars (rear also), front suspension bushings, etc.
While (safely) under the car tighten all sub-frame bolts/nuts and check for structural damage and/or major corrosion.
Look at the wheels/tires for misalignment, damage, proper balance and/or uneven wear.
Once you get the front all "fresh" and those fancy wide wheels installed with new fat tires the steering effort at low speeds will be at armstrong level. To minimize this run about 36-40psi in all four tires but drop this back to 28-34psi for highway trips and to lessen hydroplane tendencies.
Another option (and much quicker and cheaper) is to install just the new ball joints then wait for the irs refund to finance more.
George Dill
