The steel fuel lines and the rear brake line that go between the rear subframe and the car body are seriously rusted on my '85 300D. I have patched the leaks in the fuel lines but that brake line needs replacing. Here is my plan: Remove the entire subframe/trailing arm assembly with the rear differential as a unit. I could then replace the rear brake line and the fuel lines properly with new steel (and new fuel rubber hoses). With all this assembly out of the way, I'll replace the subframe mounts, trailing arm bushings, differential mount, transmission mount, and driveshaft wear components (front and rear flex disks, center support and bearing, and "dust" boot). I'll also pull the fuel strainer from the tank to ensure it's clean.

So hear is the big question:
Can I remove the whole assembly by disconnecting everything (subframe, differential mount, brake lines, driveshaft, emergency brake, shocks and sway bar) and then just slowly jack up the car body on both sides until the springs are fully extended?

Tim

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'85 300D 276,000 mi