Volvo Repair: 86 240 DL ball joint, tie rod ends, wheel bearings

Question
We just paid $750. for an 86 240 DL and are excited about the cars potential. Body and original paint are near perfect. Engine starts up and runs great (we think). Large clunking noise near curb side front tire, we were told is a ball joint, how can I know for sure? Is that a job I can tackle ? I grew up in a gas station working on cars thru the 70's and should have the tools but time is limited. Only other problem is tail light quirks, I have traced that to the wiring attachment at the circut 'board', some heat warping there. What should be replaced there? The flimsey circut 'board' or the whole tail light assembly? All lights work, I think the brake lights come on and stay on when headlights are turned on. Thanks, Marty.

Answer
Helloooo Marty,
           Yep,you can do this job.
  Consider looking at the tie-rod ends on same side of car..
         Removing thee balljoint..(bj)requires little expertise...it goes like this....raise car and make it secure...remove wheel... remove 4 13mm head bolts that secure bj to strut...remove 3 large bolts that hold bj to inner support.
         Tap on bj and it will fall out ofstrut.
         You will have to remove failed bj from housing that it sits in by using air powered impact gun or if you are crafty you'll figure out a way to do the job w/o using a impact gun...reverse the order...tighten bolts to the strut in a couple of steps...really crank down on the inner big ones...Tie-rod ends...they must be tight or you'll get clonks that resonate up thru steertng...both of them must be in good cond.to make a front end a happy one...includind the left side too...also be SURE to assess wheel bearings...especially the side of the failed bj.
                  Good luck,
                      Bilbo
 You will save yourself a heap of money by doing this job yourself.