Should be the final update for this thread. We finally got an axle that would fit. The third try at Oreilly's got us a 500sel axle that fits perfect. Trailing arm from pick and pull. New diff oil, adjusted parking brake (did I mention that now my parking brake works) new plastics on the anti sway bar, replaced the rubber mounts for the exhaust.

Car rides like brand new.

One mile, test drive, get back, key won't turn.

I keep shaking, no dice.

My friend tries, no dice. tries too hard. key breaks off in ignition

I both love and hate this car.

drilled out ignition, running on buddies junked wagon key tumbler.

But I'm on the road and it drives like a brand new car.

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77' 300D, "Cartman" SOLD @ 150K (didn't know what I had)
83' 300SD, "The Superdon" 325k+ @ 28mpg
95 E320 wagon, "Millennium Falcon" 231k+ @ 24 Mpg
95 E300D, "Sherley" 308k @ 33.69 Mpg, currently anticipating a head
99 Suzuki Intruder "Trudy" @ 45 mpg