So I was happy with my balljoint job and I noticed the car was quieter on bumps. It still clunked when I hit the brakes. I set out to do the guide rod mounts. I found two control arm bushing kits (other side of the guide rod) in my parts shipment even though I didn't order them so I figured I'd do that too since I was in there. I have the spring compressor so I figured I could use it.

Things went well using the DIY wiki. I'll add a few things that helped me.

Luckily I had the klann knockoff spring compressor. though pulling and installing the spring can be a pain, removing the spring gave me room and I didn't have to fight against the spring tension while attaching the guide rod. Some people need a ratcheting tie down to maneuver the lower control arm when hooking up the rod. I didn't need it. I had trouble lifting the spring in. I always do. I have no upper body strength after heart surgery. It was hell getting that spring in.

An air impact wrench made short work of all the rusted in bolts. My arms are thanking me for using it.

The guide rod mounts were really rusted into the aluminum L's. I beat on them and they wouldn't come out. I rented a three jaw puller from Autozone and configured it two jaw and got the rusted mounts out. They were really rusted,in. On one the rubber tore out leaving the rusted steel shell inside. I had to chisel it out once the rubber was out.

I used a vise grip type chain wrench to get the new ones in. I couldn't pound them in because the fit was too tight. I dont have a press. With the chain wrench I could compress down the diameter a bit and pound them in.

All went well but it took me six hours. The rusted mounts really fought.

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79 300TD “Old Smokey” AKA “The Mistake” (SOLD)
82 240D stick shift 335k miles (SOLD)
82 300SD 300k miles
85 300D Turbodiesel 170k miles
97 C280 147k miles

Sounds like she gave you a work out. was this the SD or 240D?

I have a total front end rebuild coming up for our 240 before the end of summer as soon as I slowly source all the parts. About 1/2 way there so far.

Thinking of picking up a set of Steering knuckles, lower Control arms and Track Rod, get them painted, parts installed, then it will just be a quick R&R.

I think it is the lower Control Arm Bushing for a 126 that can be used in the w123, and easier to install. I need to dig up the info, it`s some where in the archives.


Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

That is the way I do it. Having the parts ready to go makes the job go fast. I have all that stuff you can borrow, and then give me back your old parts when you are done. I have them left over from my last front end rebuild that I did. I can bring them to the GTG on the 26'th if you would like.....Rich

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All Diesel Fleet
1985 R107 300SLD TURBODIESEL
2005 E320 CDI (daily)

LOTS of parts for sale!


EGR block kit
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/355250-sale-egr-delete-block-off-plate-kit.html

1985 CA emissions 617 owners- You Need This!
Sanden style A/C Compressor Mounting Kit for your 616/ 617 For Sale + Install Inst.

Sanden Instalation Guide (post 11):
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/367883-sanden-retrofit-installation-guide.html

Thanks Rich. I may even have the Knuckles and lower Arms if I look through my stuff. I know I don`t have the Track Rods.

We probably should keep extra sets of these parts on hand while good one`s are still available.
The w126 is the same except for the upper arms and track Rod Mounts.

I have a set of Steering knuckles from a 90 or 91 SEL on my 85 300D.

So far I have sourced all Lemforder parts. a few more to go.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Does anyone have a good source for a good spring compressor? I have parts for 1 SD front end rebuild and a second on the horizon.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.