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  #1  
Old 03-30-2018, 06:16 PM
ottojd's Avatar
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Can't figure out where to jack to drop subframe w123 300td 1983

Hello
I am stumped. I am trying to replace my rear trailing arm bushings. I have the inner bolt out. However, you need to drop the subframe to get to the outer bolt. This would be fine if my jacking point wasn't so rusted. I am very wary of getting under the car when it is sitting on what is left there [see first picture].

Where can I safely put a jack stand and then lower the subframe? I always put my jackstands under the subframe mount, which is where it is right now...I searched all over and could not find an answer. I put three pictures here for orientation.

Attached Thumbnails
Can't figure out where to jack to drop subframe w123 300td 1983-jack-point-1.jpg   Can't figure out where to jack to drop subframe w123 300td 1983-jack-point-2.jpg   Can't figure out where to jack to drop subframe w123 300td 1983-jack-point-3.jpg  

Last edited by ottojd; 03-30-2018 at 07:01 PM.
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  #2  
Old 03-30-2018, 08:23 PM
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Location: Mount Holly, NC
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Wow, that's bad.

I would get a 2x4 or 2x6 and place it as close as possible to subframe mount and support from that. Be sure the stand dents the wood well before getting under the car
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
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  #3  
Old 03-30-2018, 08:25 PM
vstech's Avatar
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When I was doing it, I think I set a 2x6 under the trunk walls on each side, then lowered the diff, after unbolting the mount.
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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!
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  #4  
Old 04-01-2018, 01:39 PM
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Thanks
Yes. There is a lot of rain damage on this body. The crazy thing is that all of the frame and arms are almost perfect.
I think I will put a jack under the diff and unbolt, and then try to get the stand with a piece of wood in place and then lower the subframe enough to work on that outer bolt and bushing...Will the frame come down with just a floor jack under the diff to lower it?
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  #5  
Old 04-01-2018, 03:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ottojd View Post
Thanks
Yes. There is a lot of rain damage on this body. The crazy thing is that all of the frame and arms are almost perfect.
I think I will put a jack under the diff and unbolt, and then try to get the stand with a piece of wood in place and then lower the subframe enough to work on that outer bolt and bushing...Will the frame come down with just a floor jack under the diff to lower it?
make sure that the forward stands a as far forward as you can get them so as to not risk upsetting the balance when the weight comes off. Also be aware of the spring load as you remove the subframe. There could be a dangerous sudden release of potential energy from the spring when bolts are removed. It is best to compress/ remove the springs before proceeding.

The frame and arms tend to rust from the inside.

It is fine to jack at the differential. I usually put a block of wood between it and the jack. More friction, less pressure points. If I read this correctly you plan on working under the car supported by just the jack? That is not good.

The metal that isn't there provided a lot of structure for the control arms and subframe. There is likely severe damage that cannot be seen easily.

With all due respect, out of concern for your safety and that of others, my recommendation is to stop driving the car. Now.
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  #6  
Old 04-05-2018, 03:48 PM
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I would never work under a car with just a jack.
I am just trying to find a good place to put the jackstands.
Seriously, compared to most cars up here, this thing does not have much rust. The guy before me was a surfer in FL and stowed his wet stuff in the footwells and all of the seals were rotten from sun.
Take a look at the picture of the subframe. There was not even any rust under the spring.
It would be great to say that I would not drive the car anymore and I appreciate the concern, but it is my only car...
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Old 04-05-2018, 05:18 PM
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I had a similar problem with my 190d. Removed the exhaust, then jacked it up by the diff. Placed a thick slice of plywood across from sill to sill, and rested it on jackstands. Lowered the car onto the board. Then unbolted the subframe and attachments and lowered the jack.
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  #8  
Old 04-05-2018, 07:22 PM
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As mentioned, you need to gusset the load with wood, if plywood make sure is 5 ply marine or better or stack a few pieces up .

Work safely ! .

Please post more details and photos of this job as my Coupe has 420,000 + miles and needs this too .
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  #9  
Old 06-14-2018, 06:17 PM
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Thanks everybody. It worked with wood under there. I bought one of those jackstands with the bottle jack integrated into it and it helped a ton to see where I could get enough frame to hold the car up. The job itself was pretty easy...Sorry I did not take pics

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