hughet,

Thank you so much!

I will consider the Perf parts rental. I will also raise the car (wheels unsuported). That should let me know how relaxed the spring can be without popping out. Then I'll place stands both under the car and the lower arm so that they, and not the strut will be holding the coil under tension when the strut is disconnected froim the tower. I wonder if I'll have enough cleareance at this point to remove the strut? I may be nervous about relaxing the coil more at this point for fear that it would pop out. I may also try to compress the strut rod by hand (with the mount and strut rod nut removed) and try to slip out the upper mount without removing the strut. If the strut is not to stiff maybe I'll be able to compress the piston/rod enough.

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1972 450SL
1982 300D Turbo