82 300TD front end rebuild. A complete rebuild.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=60560&highlight=front+end+rebuild
The only thing not replaced in the front end rebuild was the lower control arm, I rebuilt it.
Rear end rebuild
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=60964&highlight=trailing+arm+bushings
To do a suspension rebuild you have to buy or rent the coil speing compressor. Do a search on this, The buy/rent idea has been discussed to death.
But buy or rent it for a SAFE rebuild. What you want to do is replace the rubber parts that become soft and fail to do their job. Additionally ball joints and shocks are replaced.
Now not all of these components must be replace at the same time. I did not replace the shocks since they only had about 25,000 miles on them. They should last quite some time.
But I chose to completely rebuild the front and rear suspensions on my 300TD. 175,000 miles. Cost was about $700. For everything. Not including the coil spring compressor.
We intend to drive the car as a daily driver. And I wanted the ride to be enjoyable.
I just bought a 83 240D for my Daughter All that needs replacing in this suspension is guide rod mount and bushing. The rear subframe mounts and trailing arm bushings are about 75% gone so I will do it now instead of later.
When rebuilding a front end you should do it in pairs. Left and right side. If the rubber on the hose suspension sytem is bad then replacing a little as you go is a waste of money. The alignment of the tires requires a good front suspension. If you replace the lower control arem bushing abut not the bad ball joints then the alignment that is done will not "hold". Or keep the wheel in alignment. Your fornt suspension is only as good as the worst component in the suspension.
Front end difficilty. I would say a 7 out of 10. IF you have the right tools.
A rear end suspension rebuild 6 out of 10. More grunt work but again you need that coil spring compressor.
For both you need a good jack and GOOD jack stands.
A place to do it. and it will take a couple of days.
Scale of 1-10 is
1 change your oil/filter, light bulbs, fuses,
5 change brake rotors, pads, bearings regreased.
10 Transmission rebuild(maybe 11)/engine rebuild/major parts removed and replaced
Dave