The first set of shocks I installed were on my 83 300D. I cut the straps before I installed them not knowing any better. To compress them, I held the bottom of the shock against my chest and pressed the top of the shock against a brick wall. I was then able to quickly put them in place before it re-extended.

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction