Well this weekend started front end rebuild. Didn't complete it because had a few unexpected events and dodging thunderstorms.

Didn't use spring compressor to remove coil springs.
Method used.

1. Unfasten strut at top bolt.
2. Jack up front end until wheel is off the ground
3. Torqued off lugs.
4. Removed Caliper assembly and speed sensor.
5. Removed hub and shield
6. Take wheel carrier off ball joint
7. placed floor jack under ball joint.
8. Unfastened torsion bar at control arm and at frame.
9. Let Jack drop slowly.
10. If that doesn't drop the control arm far enough to free spring loosen camber bolts.

I did the reverse to put it back together. Refreshed the bearing assembly. I did use the cheap harbor freight to compress the spring just enough to get a nice size block under the control arm to lower it down on.

Driver side rebuilt - bushings were shot.

Passenger side is apart and at reassembly stage. I think 3-4 hours should get this.

One of the driver's side camber bolts has the eccentric washer turned . I ended up driving out the bolt thinking I had an extra. Oops. Found an m14 1.5 pitch nut at a hardware store and cleaned the threads up a bit using that nut as a sacrificial die. That is a big bolt and I think there is plenty of thread left. I would probably be really close to done if not for rain and that bolt.

I can tell you I don't think I'll be doing this job again without some younger help and preferably a shop lift. Tools I bought for my engine job really came in handy on this job 1/2 breaker bar. 3/4 inch metric socket set.

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My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

4 hours on Monday and assembled the right side tire carrier, center link and passenger side tie rod.

Passenger side spring is tricky. It doesn't want to catch the lip of the control arm perch as naturally as the driver side. I tried using the 15 dollar HF coil spring compressor. Never got it to where it would catch the control arm before I felt afraid for my safety.

I backed it off and manually bent the spring to where it caught the control arm and lifted the control arm into place with my floor jack just until I could get some blocks under it and lower the car onto the control arm with the other jack. Success!

Tasks remaining if I can get 2 hours of wrenching tomorrow.
Renew the bearings, put on the brakes, bleed the caliper and tighten the control arm bolts. That should get it to the alignment shop on Wednesday.

Rental back at Enterprise Wednesday night and daily back in service Thursday morning

__________________
My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory

Very resourceful. You have Ramblin Reck in your veins, like it or not.

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Prost!

Jacks down, tools up. Slow drive to the alignment shop in the morning. Very rewarding job. Now I may get the fever to do the rear suspension next. Maybe in 6-12 months

__________________
My Daily : 96 E-300 Diesel with 195,000 miles
Retired: 92 300D 2.5 T 345K miles and for sale
Retired: 95 E320 157K miles and currently parked with blown engine

Both retired cars are for sale as is my w124 shop inventory