First on the spring compressor: the others are right, you only absolutely have to use it if the LCA comes off. When I did mine I did the LCA bushings as well - you need to press them in, I was at an auto hobby shop on base so wanted to do all the work that needed a press together. I also didnt want to have to pay for multiple alignments, although if you count carefully on the guide rod mounts you probably can get close enough that you can make it without one.

When my guide rod mounts went, I could feel the car make a "swimming" motion immediately after braking. It become quite noticeable and annoying.

All of this is on my 126, but AFAIK the front end suspensions on the two are essentially the same.

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Tjohn

82 300 SD
77 450 SL (gone)