Excitedly crawled under my '72 280SE 4.5 an hour ago to work on tranny mount and flex disc. I believe I have reviewed all the pertinent posts in other threads but still have a bit of a problem.

Tranny mount removal no problem at all, just as the experts here said it would be. HOWEVER, for the flex disc, loosening the clamp at the center bearing is a bear. Channel locks have proven useless and I see where other folks have apparently used a pipe wrench or "chain" wrench. OK, I'll go tool shopping today, but must I lower the exhaust also? The space for leverage is minimal and I am laying on my back under jackstands so I'm not in the most spacious situation. I got the parking brake cable out of the way but cannot gain more space unless I drop the exhaust. I do not relish the idea of trying to get those pipes apart at the junction nearby, they look original.

Moreover, I assume the front hexagonal fitting/nut (the smaller one) on the driveshaft is the one I attack rather than the larger, rear-most one??

Finally, is there a method by which to fit the new disc in place without pulling the front piece of the driveshaft back? Can I not just remove the old tattered disc and squish the new one into place?? I know this would be a very tight squeeze but can it be done?? It seems the metal sleeves in the new disc will not be susceptible to squishing into place, right?

As always, your grateful student...