You can check the guide rod mount by jacking it up and prying on the lug that is near that end with a crow bar or similar device. Ther should be little or no movement.
You don't need a come along to replace it. This is a 1 hr job if things come apart w/o too much trouble. You need to be carefull about adjusting the length back to where it was or you will need to get an alignment.

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81 300D Turbo 190K sold
83 300sd 319K best $500 I ever spent-daily driverw/ 2 tank WVO set up