i have heard conficting stories on this issue. i welded mine on this past weekend and i will do rivet research tomorrow and shoot a few rivets in them and put it back together this weekend. i bit the bullet and bought the proper spring compressor for benzes. i was able to remove the old springs with the fork type compressor i rented at auto zone, but it was a struggle. i knew it wouldnt work when i install the new springs. the new compressor should be here friday. jim