Yes, I removed the back cover. Just to be clear, I'm talking about the front of the guide rod that bolts to the LCA. I just read that a spring compressor is needed.

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r2

'85 300SD 193k miles (parts)
'81 300SD 400k miles-sold
'84 300SD 205k miles-sold
'84 300TDT 270k miles-sold
'80 300CD 200k miles-sold