Steve, that certainly clears it up. For some reason I had it in my head that it was the lower front arm (shown as a "thrust arm" in the picture I have). Fastlane calls the part number you gave as the "control arm strut", which is located top front according to my info.

I'm ordering these parts tonight along with a new steering coupler. Can't wait until next weekend to to see if it all helps (please, no more rain!!!).

Thanks for your help.

Ken Fuller
1990 300E
140K Miles