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  #1  
Old 01-17-2009, 10:27 AM
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Do you have to remove springs to replace upper control arm?

Howdy-I have to replace my upper control arm (1983 300DT). I'm trying to determine if I have to pull the spring or if I can just put the car up on stands with the tension off the front suspension and get it in there after I remove the wheel and shock.

Thanks,

Sugi
Athens, GA

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1983 300DT
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  #2  
Old 01-17-2009, 10:37 AM
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the the FSM page for R&R upper control arm
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  #3  
Old 01-17-2009, 11:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sugi View Post
Howdy-I have to replace my upper control arm (1983 300DT). I'm trying to determine if I have to pull the spring or if I can just put the car up on stands with the tension off the front suspension and get it in there after I remove the wheel and shock.

Thanks,

Sugi
Athens, GA
Actually, you want the suspension to be loaded if the spring is not removed. Removing the shock absorber is unnecessary.
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  #4  
Old 01-17-2009, 12:34 PM
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i pulled some brand new looking upper control arms from a 240 at the pnp somewhat recently. It was up of the ground. I didnt remove the shocks or the springs.
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  #5  
Old 01-17-2009, 12:40 PM
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Thanks!

Wow- thatś just one reason I love these cars. Of the 40 or so cars I´ve owned, there is nothing close to the support base the W123 has. It´s like our cars have their own ¨human genome¨ project database. Somebody on this list has laid a wrench/plier/hand on every single last piece of a W123. Thanks for the replies, I´m heading out right now to get to work.
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1983 300DT
1964 Triumph TR4 (back in the stable after 18 years- same car!)
2004 Pontiac Vibe
1986 Honda Elite CH250
1971 F100
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  #6  
Old 01-17-2009, 01:00 PM
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I did this on my SD and I jacked up the car then lowered the side I was working on so the lower arm was supported on a jack stand then just went to work on the ball joints including removing the upper arm. You do need to support the lower arm so the spring stays put.
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  #7  
Old 01-17-2009, 01:54 PM
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The shock absorber is supposed to limit LCA travel so the spring stays in place. I'd set the LCA on a jack or jackstand to be safe.

I don't remember if the UCA has to be in the normal ride height position when torquing the bolt through the inboard bushing.

Sixto
87 300D
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  #8  
Old 01-17-2009, 02:43 PM
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I would at least put a block under the LCA and lower a but of the cars weight on it. The shock is not meant as a limiter for the Suspension system.
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  #9  
Old 01-20-2009, 08:25 AM
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Don't forget to replace the sway bar bushings while your in there.
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  #10  
Old 01-20-2009, 11:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dannym View Post
Don't forget to replace the sway bar bushings while your in there.
Yes.
On mine the sway bar didn't line up, so I went to the local hardware store, and bought the longest correct threaded bolt, and with the new bushings in place, tightened it, everything lined up. I was then able to remove that one, and replace it with the old bolt.

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