I have owned 4 300SDs and learned a lot about them here. I have also bought most of my MB specific parts here.
I too have put up with a lot of bull because I am a self-employed mechanic driving a MB. I finally scrapped my 81 300SD beater because folks thought I must be ripping somebody off because I was using a MB to chase parts for my business. Now I use my 617.951 powered 53 F100 to chase the same parts and folks feel sorry for me because it really does look like a beater

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1971 R600 Mack toterhome (SuperDawg)
99 NU-WA Snowbird 34+2 SE 102 5er
If it's not diesel, it's not in my stable!
53 F100 617.951/auto
95 Dodge 3500 Cummins/5 speed service truck