Ryan,

You can rent an "internal" mercedes specific spring compressor from Performance Products in California. Not cheap......about 90 for three weeks and then there is the shipping.....find them on the web.

I was able to use a free compressor on my front end (external type from PepBoys) but it was not my favorite experience and I don't think most novices should try that. Just too dangerous. Really, you could get killed in that wheel well. To complicate matters there are different designs for the external type compressors, and apparently some are more dangerous than others!

I suggest you get everything ready and bite the bullet by acquiring the right tool. Its unpleasant but will make the work so much easier and so much safer. Besides, you are still saving big money if you do it yourself.

Nic
'85 300CD