Volvo Repair: 1988 volvo 740 gle wagon, volvo 740 gle, volvo repair

Question
Dear Expert,
firstly, i just paid to have all the driveshaft u-joints replaces, and the driveshaft to be balanced. the mechanic didnt tell me about the recall. NOT the first time this had happened. (its NOT a volvo dealership/mechanic). Any way volvo would refund that money, since i never received any recall notice in the mail?
Secondly, the shock or strut in the front came up through the hood (well, not completely, but you know what i mean). it did make a small dent, and i put a 2 x 2 piece of wood there so i could drive it home. Is there just a piece there i should replace, like a saucer or something, or does the whole shock need replacemenT?
this car makes a LOT OF NOISE. in the back too. the middle taillight does not work, neighther does one to the side. fuse was bad. changed it, no difference. changed lights, no difference.
you can post this on the volvo repair site, but it didnt ask me if i wanted it or not. the link to post on that site would be nice.
Thank You

Answer
Hello Brian,  Call Volvo cust.ser.and bounce it off of them,its possible.Any owner manual will have the #'s.As far as the shock goes, the whole assy. needs to come out in order to compress the spring.What happens is that the 'cap nut'loosens and the spring expands and hit the hood.It usuualy makes 'knocking sounds' before it lets go completly.Since that all needs to be done anyway,replace the "strut insert"Have the other side checked and tightened if needed.Get an 'owners manual'you have what is called a 'fog lamp' only one side has it, so as to not be confusesd with the brake lites.The book will save you time and effort.Thank You and good hunting!  PKD