I'll be doing this very same exact project next wednesday most likely....I'll probably start early in the morning at like 7am....and work till its done. I got a brand new pair of huge channel locks to get the shaft nut off. Made in USA and only $15. I have all the other tools. I got a nicer rubber mallet too....since my old one is quite beaten....

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

When you guys do this it helps to have a couple of 15mm wrenches ( which is a rare tool on a Benz)- both an open end and a box wrench. There's not a lot of room up against the diff or the tranny. And don't be surprised if it takes quite a bit of force with a big screwdriver to pry those suckers off the flanges.

Rick

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)