Thanks for this thread. It is absolutely what the 'thump' is on my 116. I can feel and see the play in the coupling. I'm debating whether to follow your lead or not. I like the idea of rubber bushings instead of metal ones but like you, the $70 seems pricey. Anyone know if there are rubber bushings that might fit and then use bolts like the above example?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13