How to Diagnose CV Joint, Clutch system? ['97 850]

[ToriWhite]

I'm trying to cut down the price of my shopping list, so I'd like to make sure I'm not buying any 'extras'

For instance, I'd like to know a good way to diagnose my CV Joints, so I could find out whether I have to drop $120 to replace them both, or $20 for a boot kit?

Also, I'm going in deep to replace the main seal, subframe mounts etc.. and I'll be right next to the Clutch assembly, which I figure I might as well replace while I'm there (I think I've got 220k on the original assembly?) Do clutch's "Wear out" and need to be replaced, fast enough that it would be advisable to preemptively purchase a $180 clutch assembly kit? I don't have any symptoms of a 'bad clutch' that I know of, how would I tell?

Anything helps, Thank you!

[WhatAmIDoing]

If you're pulling the transmission, do the RMS, clutch, and throw out bearing. Replace the slave cylinder if it's leaking (I think you have an external slave). Clutches are wear items and you're already puling the trans to replace the rear main seal. Do both and then not worry about either for another 200k miles.

[gmh]

I'm trying to cut down the price of my shopping list, so I'd like to make sure I'm not buying any 'extras'

For instance, I'd like to know a good way to diagnose my CV Joints, so I could find out whether I have to drop $120 to replace them both, or $20 for a boot kit?

There are plenty of threads in this forum about the pitfalls of replacing your original CV joints with aftermarket. If the boots are intact and the joints aren't clicking, replacing the boots is all that is necessary. The OEM manufacturer is GKN Loebro and these can be found from vendors such as http://www.rmeuropean.com/ and https://www.autohausaz.com/ . Otherwise buying the Volvo branded boots is recommended.