PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - Just got an 82 300D, needs new semi-trailing arm

Hi, I'm new to the forum, just got a

1982 300D Turbo with a rusted-out right-rear suspension semi-trailing arm (list price around $1500 or so, for folks who buy that kind of thing from the dealer!) I'm looking for any tips about changing the arm, I did a search and found info about changing the whole rear, can the trailing arm be replaced without dropping the whole rear sub-frame? Will the spring try to kill me when I try this? How much time would this job take with 2 people working on it?

I've got to go through the brakes on this car, as well as fix a few problems. I'd like to find a right-had mirror for it somewhere (eBay?) too.

Is there a thread out there somewhere about all the things a new owner should do for his older (diesel) MB to be sure it's up to snuff? Things like transmission filter kit, maybe some updates or weaknesses I should be aware of?

Well, I've got a ton of questions, and I'm excited to be an owner, even though I worry about expensive things breaking (transmission...) someday. I really wanted a diesel, and with my limited budget, it seemed that my only options were VW (nearly impossible to find, and always at least double the price of an MB), old GM, and Mercedes. The old GM diesels are notorious for being gas engines not well designed for this purpose. It seems that the VW diesels, while they have their satisfied owners, blow their head gaskets all too readily - probably because of their aluminum heads. I think the increased parts availability for the Mercedes diesel, combined with the superior initial build quality, is what made me decide to go this way.

Now I guess it's time for me to read through the forums some more.