What kind of front end work can you do without spring compressors? The only ones that come readily to mind are:

1) Tie-rods
2) Upper control arms

Is there anything else?

Scott

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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

Yes, upper control arm bushings, lower control arm bushings if you have a good jack and a come-along,(just be careful here when you get creative) and center steering link!

On the W126, I did everything but the lower control arms and the front bushing of the guide rod.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

On that note if you are going to do front end work with a spring compressor dont use a generic one. My friend was using a spring compressor, that he got from Harbor Freight for like 30 bucks, on his 81 300sd. He nearly killed himself when the thing busted loose. Invest in a spring compressor built for a mercedes. Your life is definatly worth $220 dollars
-Stephen

I will always spend the money when my life may be in danger. I was just wondering how much you can do without them. I've replaced the upper control arms and tie rods before but it looks like everything else requires them. I've never done more than that on a front end before so I really don't know what all is involved. I don't want to spend $1,800 at a mechanic for a front end rebuild so I'm trying to figure out everything I can do on my own.

Scott

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Scott
1982 Mercedes 240D, 4 speed, 275,000
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S (70,000)
1987 Porsche 911 Coupe 109,000 (sold)
1998 Mercedes E300 TurboDiesel 147,000 (sold)
1985 Mercedes 300D 227,000 (totaled by inattentive driver with no insurance!)
1997 Mercedes E300 Diesel 236,000 (sold)
1995 Ducati 900SS (sold)
1987 VW Jetta GLI 157,000 (sold)
1986 Camaro 125,000 (sold - P.O.S.)
1977 Corvette L82 125,000 (sold)
1965 Pontiac GTO 15,000 restored (sold)

lower ball joints?

I would recommend against doing the lower control arm bushings without a spring compressor. You will probably die. It is really not an easy job, even with the control arm out and on the work bench.

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif

I was reading this thinking, "hey that sounds familiar". Yup, that was me. I can of most people can tell you that it is a small price to pay to buy the right tools. Don't even consider trying an alternate way on the jobs that require a that compressor.

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif

sorry Patrick for stealing your thunder but i'd rather people know what threatens their lives than possibly embarrassment on your part. Laugh Out Loud. I like your mom telling me not to stand next to you after you did that becuase you might kill me...i was so confused.
-stephen

Is it possible that you meant guide rod bushings instead of lower control arm bushings?

stephenc03, PatricdeBoer, and others, what compressor do you use? I am in the market, and would like insight as to safety, quality, and ease of use. Especially wrt the front of a W123.

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Mercury is a boxer

1984 300d
1999 Prelude
Medici road bike
Klein touring bike
Klein mtn bike

I bought this one on ebay. It works perfectly and compresses the spring without it curving. It was worth every penny.

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"spreading a trail of obnoxious where ever we go"
1981 300sd w/ 341,500 miles

http://www.wecrash.com/pics/ddda_banner.gif