DO NOT under any circumstances unbolt both sides of the rear suspension. I did, and it was a pain to get back lined up!!

This also applies to the W123. I have done it....

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126RearShocksSprings

30 minutes to pop springs out. You will need to pull down on the control arm to ultimately pop the spring out.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car