I need to replace the differential for my 87 300 TD per local indi.
I found one on Ebay and after ages, I received it. I got the complete rear suspension less shocks and coil spring. I said ok all i have to do is remove the one in the car and bolt up the new one. Then I found out about the need for a coil spring compressor made for a w124.
I can rent one from the good fellows here, but have to wait til June. The guys I know locally have not returned my calls... think that means NO you can't rent my spring Compressor.
I, then decided I'll remove the diff and half shafts from the one I just rec'd and remove the same from my Benz.
First of all if the 12pt collar nuts on either would have come off by now( what? are they welded? or rusted solid?) I wouldn"t be asking.
I would like to hear from any of you. What would you do? Change the whole assy or get an impact wrench and just change the diff & shafts:

Not familiar with your car but it would be helpful to include a location in your profile so we have some idea what country you are in. There may be others local to you.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

I have replaced several differentials on these carsand have found that if you just change the pumpkin and the two axles, you are minimizing the amount of labor necessary to complete your objective. You don't need any spring compressors and wrestling that subframe assembly can only be described as a pain in the neck. The 12 point bolts are definitely installed by someone much stronger than I am. Patience and a cheater bar or impact wrench is the way to go with these bolts.

Good luck,
Tom

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1993 300TE
1984 300D
1984 300SD
1976 BMW R90S

I agree.......just change the diff and drive axles. No spring compressor required.

Much less labor than pulling the entire subframe. You'll be hurtin' for certain if you try that job.