Tom:

FWIW. I just finished a complete front end replacement identical to yours. My track rods were also adjusted to the point of no threads showing bothy before the new parts were installed and after. However, the car was and is within the alignment specs. (1990 300SE)

I am just about to tackle the rear suspension, inlcuding the trailing arm bushings, so I will be watching your thread here for good tips.

Jon