'81 240d control arm bushings
 

Can I replace my bad front upper control arm bushings without removing my sway bar. I don't see how unless the arm will swing up after both ends are disconnected. Any help appreciated.

You do not have to remove the sway bar. You unbolt the bolt in the front of the sway bar and remove the bolt/washer and front rubber bushing.
To remove the UCA you have to disconnect the steering knuckle. To do this and not have the coil spring let loose you have to remove the coil spring.
I have heard of guys using a floor jack under the LCA to support the LCA and spring assembly. this keeps the coil spring compressed. BE VERY CAREFUL IF YOU DO IT THIS WAY. If the LCA shifts or is allowed to come off the floor jack the coils springs full force will be released. DEATH MAY RESULT. When the coil spring lets loose.
Once the UCA is allowed to be released, the UCA mounting bolt is unscrewed and removed, the UCA moves forward and around the sway bar. Remember it is now disconnected from the steering knuckle
If your doing this, replace the sway bar bushings, while your at it. Check the uper ball joint. Now would be the time to replace it if worn. You replace the UCA . You cannot replace the ball joint in the UCA, you have to buy a new UCA.

Dave

Do a search on 300Td suspension replacement. I posted what I did on my 82 300Td suspension rebuild.

'81 240d upper control arm bushings.
 

thanks for the timely reply. You scared the hell out of me. I'll definately remove spring instead of using jack. Thanks again.