Have others removed/ changed springs on the rear of a W123 without a spring compressor like this:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=168994&highlight=rear+springs
-go to post #5 by BabyJames
I bought a bad compressor and no way is it going to work on the rear of my 300CD, so I'm thinking of trying this method instead and am looking for advice/tips/tricks

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Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR

I've dropped the lower subframe on a w126 and the springs just fall out... but its a bear getting the subframe back into place..It's the same on a w123

I had to use this method even though I never saw this post, I did figure it out. I had a damaged rear wishbone I had to replace and yes, the rear shock has to come out. It will make it easier.

Well my 6'4" boy pried himself outta the sack,filled up on that famous power food (cheerios, how do they eat that!), and we are out in the shop trying this out. I came in to reread 'Baby James" post, & I'll check back now and then to see if anyone has added any advice.

__________________
Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR

DO NOT under any circumstances unbolt both sides of the rear suspension. I did, and it was a pain to get back lined up!!

This also applies to the W123. I have done it....

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W126RearShocksSprings

30 minutes to pop springs out. You will need to pull down on the control arm to ultimately pop the spring out.

dd

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'85 300D, 'Lance',250k, ... winter beater (100k on franken-Frybrid 3 Valve Kit)
'82 300D, 'Tex', 228k body / 170k engine ... summer car
'83 300TD Cali Wagon 210k, wife's car

This will not work on a 85 123, and maybe others.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

It worked like a dream. Had to drop the exhaust too of course.
2 hours, me with a gimpy right elbow, and two coffee breaks and its sitting on it's new vogtland springs. pix to follow soon.

__________________
Thanx,
Alberta Luthier
1983 300CD ('Stinky')155k miles, 2.47 diff, EGR removed, AAZ injectors with 265 nozzles from Sean,and vogtland lowering springs.
1984 300SD ('Old Blue')150k Klicks from Japan originally, came with rear head rests, no sunroof and never had an EGR