I know many have not had good results with off brand CV axles but I’ve had decent results with TRQ brand ones.

On engine mounts make sure to go with Volvo or OEM brands like those on FCPEuro. I took a chance on the front and rear round ones and vibration was worse than my old OEM ones.

Two of my Volvo's went through an acceleration stutter with heavier acceleration, but would always run smooth out on the highway. New spark plugs fixed them both. Also both cars never threw a check engine light. Just a thought in case you might think its coming from the engine.

DIY if you can. Suspension is one of the easier things I've done. It's just big, heavy, metal Lego pieces that need to fit where they go. There's a learning curve and it will suck in the cold. If you have an impact wrench it'll be easier.

Removing the lower control arms is difficult the first couple times. Replacing the bushings is not easy unless you have a hydraulic press. Buying the 4 new bushings is much less expensive than any other option - get the OE Lemforder brand. Here are a couple pictures of how I pressed out the bushings...

I would also suggest to heat the LCA around the bushing up well, it will ease the removal. Heat it up again for installation. If a bew bushing was left in fridge overnight, the installation takes almost no effort.

if it were me , at those prices ? I'm driving it the way it is until spring. As long as the ball joint isn't flapping around. actually the next 3 days in northern Maine are going to be in the mid 40's to 50F. Rear drive shaft is supposed to spin with the trans in D engine running, nothing engages at...

cmayo1 wrote: ↑21 Dec 2025, 18:19

BlackBart wrote: ↑30 Apr 2025, 12:19 My 1A Auto axle showed up yesterday.

Hey! Looking at some new CV axles for my own rig and I was wondering how your new ones are fairing after installing them. GKN seems few and far between these days and I don't want to risk my life with RockAuto junk.

Cheers!

Seem good - no issues.

.
Fix everything on the XC so you have a finished reliable daily. Never know what you’ll run into with the S60R if you do decide to purchase.
.

Post away. The devil you know is always better than the devil you don't. That said, sometimes there's a speed itch one needs to scratch, and for that he may trade reliability for handling. It's all in what you value most. There is no right answer. Meditate in the sun and your choice will come to you...