The front attachment of the guide rod is shielded by the lower spring perch. Not MB engineering's shining moment. The front attachment has bushings you should consider replacing if you're doing all that work on the rear attachment.

You can replace the big mount at the rear without touching the spring. You have to muscle the wheel forward though. Usually folks use a come-along on the lower control arm. If you trust yourself you can use a jack between the fender and the rear point of the wheel but remember that there is no park brake or parking pawl on the front wheels!

Sixto
93 300SD