In no way would I ever attempt this but after talking to a young German mechanic I meet recently he had convinced me that he could do my lower control arm bushings on my 84 300cd without an issue and without the need for a spring compressor .He gave me a day and time to show up and I arrived with anticipation on watching just how this was to be performed . Around 40 minutes of unbolting with the help of a trannie jack and some cut lumber pieces to wedge the arm free they had the spring out .Unbolted was the tie rod ,strut arm ,shock and of course the lower control arm .Going back with the spring was abit harry ,one guy wedged and pryed and manuevered the jack several times while the other mechanic held the rotor to keep the piece in place .The time to work the arm back on took maybe 15 minutes but it wasnt easy to accomplish but in the end I got to witness exactly what he said he would do . Ill be going back since he didnt have time for the other side to watch it all over again.Maybe need to video this but I didnt want to get 5 ft from the action..

Are you driving the car with one side changed and no alignment?

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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.

very interesting and clever.
Quite conceivable, too.

For myself.... I'll spend the $250 for the compressor. . . even if its just this once. no thanks. nope.

nope.

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I agree totally. Just a few minutes to put the plates in place, drop the shaft in the hole,
and compress the spring.

On a W123 a few more minutes to grind open the hole to get the shaft in.
Maybe 5 min more per side using an air die grinder.
This is with the after market compressor, the Klann drops right in.

Hey John, I just picked up a compressor for $40.

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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

....sssunnuvvabitless computer.

I hope its safe, Charlie. We don't need the resident parts hoarder losing any appendages....

Guess I bought high. Its ok. I needed it then- just as I said, I would pay the 250 anytime for that control.

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If youve ever heard the term curled up and hissing, that is what it feels like when messing with any coil ,especially after youve cranked it to its absolute limit. I was expecting alot of banging ,cussing and throwing of tools but the guy had a good handle on what danger was in front of him .It is abit harder and when you really think of it he did use a spring compressor which was the transmission jack.Not advised for the weak of heart.