Well, just thought that I'd finish the post (though I did all this in the middle of the summer) when I saw this thread while I was cleaning out my e-mail inbox. Well, as it turns out, my dealership did lend it (the crimping tool) to me for a whole day, free of charge (cause they didn't need it right then) so I didn't have to peen it myself (thanks to Mike and Dale); this makes me feel much more confident when driving. It also had the magnetized end so I didn't have to fidgit around with pressing on that new link-end. Also when I was in there, I replaced the front/main seal, oil pan gasket, vacuum pump gasket, and retimed injection.

Have a whole suspension refit planned for fall-break which starts after next week. Just bought a stahlwille ball joint removing press; hopefully I'll be able to get those stubborn lower ball joints out without too many persuasive words. I may need forum advice durring that process; so NOBODY's alowed to go anywhere for the entire week of 10-14!

I'm a preventative maintenance NUT!

ATLD

P.S> Does anyone else think that it's really sad that I know all the employes by name at my MB dealer's parts department; or what's sadder, that they know me by name (sadly this aspect isn't just confined to Mercedes dealers/shops)? By now, I can't call a single shop in my area without the owner recognizing my name and getting into these really long conversations. Makes it really hard to get price quotes.