About using an "official" MB spring compressor.....I'm sure using one if you have access to one is the best idea. However, I would not have any idea where to find one of these things. You can rent one from Performance Products, but as collateral they charge you the entire $600 and then credit you that back minus rental charges ($85) upon return. So I would prefer not to have my credit card loaded up like that for the time period that I need this compressor. And if I can save 85 bucks...that's 85 bucks (plus shipping).

So, here is what my friend who is a mechanic at his dad's shop suggested. Now, I do realize that he and his dad are of the "old school" mindset, but sometimes what works...works regardless of how barbaric it may seem. Well anyway, they say to put a floor jack (or transmission jack if it's up on a lift) underneath the lower control arm and then take off the steering knuckle, shock, etc and then slowly lower the jack and the spring will eventually be fully extended and then just "fall out". His dad did say it was a PITA getting the new spring in, but very possible, I'm sure he's done it a few times over his 30+ years as a mechanic.

Now I know I'm gonna get it from all sides now by suggesting this rather crude method, but I thought it was worth mentioning! :p

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'86 420SE Euro
904 Midnight Blue, Gray Velour
Dad bought it new, now I own it.

"A Mercedes-Benz is like a fine wine, it only gets better with age."