The bolts for the track rod are UNDERNEATH the coil spring. I just can't imagine that there is a way to r&r the track rod without removing the spring.

You need to find a front end man instead of a muffler welder at Meineke.

My 240D went OVER 500,000 miles with ALL the original front end parts except the shocks. When I got my parts car, I took the entire front end out from under it and put on my half million mile 240D. These front ends are incredibly durable and well worth rebuilding even if you don't have a low mileage parts car and need to buy all new parts.

Tell the muffler welder at Meineke to take a flying leap on a rolling donut.

Good luck,