Rear Springs W123 no compressor
 

Have others removed/ changed springs on the rear of a W123 without a spring compressor like this:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/168994-question-rear-spring-removal.html?highlight=rear+springs
-go to post #5 by BabyJames
I bought a bad compressor and no way is it going to work on the rear of my 300CD, so I'm thinking of trying this method instead and am looking for advice/tips/tricks

I've dropped the lower subframe on a w126 and the springs just fall out... but its a bear getting the subframe back into place..It's the same on a w123

I had to use this method even though I never saw this post, I did figure it out. I had a damaged rear wishbone I had to replace and yes, the rear shock has to come out. It will make it easier.;)

wish me luck
 

Well my 6'4" boy pried himself outta the sack,filled up on that famous power food (cheerios, how do they eat that!), and we are out in the shop trying this out. I came in to reread 'Baby James" post, & I'll check back now and then to see if anyone has added any advice.

WAIT you are heading into trouble!!
 

DO NOT under any circumstances unbolt both sides of the rear suspension. I did, and it was a pain to get back lined up!!

This also applies to the W123. I have done it....

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126RearShocksSprings

30 minutes to pop springs out. You will need to pull down on the control arm to ultimately pop the spring out.

dd

This will not work on a 85 123, and maybe others.

I swim in oceans of satisfaction
 

It worked like a dream. Had to drop the exhaust too of course.
2 hours, me with a gimpy right elbow, and two coffee breaks and its sitting on it's new vogtland springs. pix to follow soon.