I'm replacing my radiator with one (oem - from my parts car) with the metal reinforcing rings, and while I'm at it I want to replace the tensioner shock as the upper bushing is deformed. I've removed the old radiator, fan belt (loosened it via the lower bolt on the alternator instead of touching the belt tensioner), and fan clutch/fan blades/fan pulley. I can easily access the lower tensioner bolt to remove it, but I don't think my fingers can reach behind it to position the nut that holds that lower bolt. Am I being unnecessarily wary? Any suggestons would be appreciated. BTW, could you also confirm which end of the tensioner shock is the top -the one that extends or the one that is fixed (the extended part is on the bottom on the car now, fwiw). Thanks.

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87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)