Ive been driving my project to and from work but today when I was just about home I began to experience a major repetitive clunking when applying the brakes. It was severe enough I opted to use the parking brake until reaching my destination. Here are the facts:

• This 1986 300sdl wasn't driven for a few years before being driven daily.
• All brakes needed work. front calipers were rebuilt w/ new pads and the rear has yet to be serviced w/ new pads (arrived today in mail).
• After priming this diesel, I opted to drive it to and from work as I reconditioned the interior to my standards. Since beginning to drive this mothership, the shocks have slowly worn down to what Id label as ****. New parts arrive in mail in a few days.
• The clunking is very severe unlike any broken ball joints I have heard on my truck, etc. Location: Front Right
• No clunking or braking discrepancies in reverse .
• After finally stopping( very hard,sudden stop) via the clunking, when I begin on the accelerator pedal I reach around 2k RPM before a loud clunk, after this "release" I am completely mobile w/o any obvious problems such as shifting, etc.

After some research I have considered replacing the Guide-Rod assembly on both ends but am eager for more educated feedback. Physical inspection didn't show any immediate signs of damage or rotten bushings of immediate repair.

This is urgent because I use this car to get to my parent in which I provide care for, as well as needing the fuel saving goddess for a 5 hr road trip I have to make this weekend.

Best,
S-Klasse Cowboy

__________________
-“Never trust a mechanic who drives new cars. They're either charging too much money for their work, or they can't keep an old car running - maybe both.”