Roy doesn't type much these days, but he's VERY concerned about you -- and China! -- because he believes she is not safe.

He told me you really need to replace the arm, not weld it. He's actually gotten into measuring the pics and such, and says the arch is altered enough to mean the structural support it provides is compromised.

I wish it was a w126 -- I could get you a trailing arm in about 20 minutes! But it sounds like Whiskeydan is taking care of that. And with Dave's offer of his spring compressor, it shouldn't be that big a deal. Actually, dropping the rear end is easier than squashing the spring, at least on the w126. I presume the w123 is not that different -- things that changed between the two chassis seened to get harder with the w126, not easier!

Let us know how we can help.

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Anthracite 1980 300D -- 64k original miles with a new engine, on the road again!
Silver 300D -- second owner, Sunny's old baby, Ilse, 210 miles,
Having to thin the herd….
Silver 1983 300SD -- second owner, 325k miles
Gold 1981 300D -- well-traveled, solid little car
Beige 1984 300D -- 292k miles, grease machine, parting out
Seafoam green 1981 300SD -- 250k, windshield frame damage
too many assorted w123 & w126 cars, parts cars, and extras