"Funny thing, the new Lemforder ball joint pressed in with my fingers. That can't be right, right? I've got an exchange comming for it this afternoon. Where there different size balljoints used on the W124 or is this most likely a manufacturing defect?"

Something's not right. Your balljoint and CA both have the same number as mine.

If you put the (proper)new one in the freezer, it will press in easier.

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1986 300E 5-Speed 240k mi.