I just got off the phone with my normal parts shop http://shop.swedishengineering.com
its located nearby and they normally have what I need. They told me that Volvo USA just raised their prices on OEM parts by 10% so the genuine volvo part that I need, the Rear end link just went up from 203 to 226. my only other option being Scantech for about $100 everywhere I have looked.

So my question. do i save the 120 and go with scantech for this? My 850 non-turbo 5 speed manual wagon that I love has 210k + miles on her and is starting to nickle and dime me to death.

If anyone knows of a place I can get the OEM part cheaper or of a different aftermarket part please let me know.

have you tried fcpgroton.com? and from what i have heard here in the forum, scantech produces quality items. haven't used them, yet.

Genuine Volvo parts are also available from Greg at Volvo partstheVolvoPartClub.com. , never be afraid to ask for available discounts; free shipping. 678-783-2855

I checked both eeuroparts.com and fcpgroton.com both only have the scantech part. same as my local dealer.. all about the same price. I was told their quality has increased lately so I may just settle. I will wait for some more opinions.

Thanks for the link collie I can't find what I am looking for though it doesnt seem to be a common part. For reference it is number 42 on the attached picture from eeuroparts site.

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Get on the horn with erievovo.com if you want to buy it used. they are great to deal with and not too far from you. They might even put a lifetime warranty on it for you like my alternator and calipers i got from them.

I've changed 3 of these in the last 18 months (yes...3) all using the Santech item. The first one failed its MOT only 8 months after fitting (bear in mind the original Volvo item lasted 14 years). Fortunatly i do my own work so lost nothing on labour charges, and the supplier gave me a full refund on return off the duff one.

At the time the first one failed so did the original one on the other side. They have both been running santech replacements for 11 months now and car is due another MOT on the next few weeks, so will find out how they are going then.

2 points i have noted... the santech item has gaps in the rubber which fits into the trailing arm, this seems to give it a lot more flex than you would expect and is certainly a worry for the cars upcomming inspection. Secondly (and most likely due to the first point) when removing a Santech item, a screwdriver and hammer is enough, where as the original Volvo items required (in the absence of the approved tool) 20 minutes with a propane torch and much pain.

With volvo oem parts costing so much, then money talks, but it appears you realy do get what you pay for.

You could always check ebay, theres usually a few sets of new OEM links for sale for cheap. But then theres the question of quality again...

btw swedish engineering is my shop too :) they do really good work

I just changed the rear top shock-mounting like 2 months ago. Used ScanTech (and many more items) but last Saturday, i found that i need to fit that back in again. A full replacement, from Volvo.

Hmmm, maybe my luck was not that good.
:)