there is 1 universal joint but it runs almost straight (if this is a W123) I haven't heard of one failing or being replaced what does go is the center support bearing and it's rubber holder .... then if you leave it one of the two flex disks goes and that is bad sometimes VERY bad. I have a an old set of very large ramps built out of 2x12 fir and 7 or 8 feet long, worked well for me. (I built them for a 67 3/4 ton GMC truck so they are pretty sturdy) I don't know how it would go on those puny stamped steel types, I haven't had to use them.

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Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR