[QUOTE=Mxfrank;3360826]You don't need to remove the springs at all to to a ball joint boot. Jack up the car from the chassis. Place a second jack under the ball joint. Undo the strut. Use the second jack to lower the control arm just enough to remove the strut. Replace the boot.

If you can't afford a Klann-style compressor, why not just rent from one of the generous folks on the list?[/QUOTE]

I know but it is a good time to test out that Guys idea while completeing something that needs to be done.
With the Ball Joint Disconnected from the Steering Knuckle there is plenty of room to flex the Lower Control Arm downwards and use minimum compression on the Spring to remove it.

I already made 2 types of Spring Compressors to do the job safely. The other one I made is a Hooked type Spring Compressor with 1 inch diameter Threaded Rod. I did that because I wanted a Spring Compressor I could use on a wide range of Vehicles; not just Mercedes.

Wondering if this is feasible for someone on my skill level. There's no way I can afford to let a shop do it.

I'll do it. Soon.

Depends how much you like your fingers where they are currently located.

The price on aftermarket Mercedes spring compressors has dropped dramatically, they can be found on eBay for about $60 now. (!!)

Avoid aftermarket tools with a slotted plate, that type is dangerous... see video clip below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY56ib3I-ew

The full video is here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLVvS6CuNlQ

Photos attached of the slotted-plate type to avoid, and also the external-clamp type to avoid as well (from broken links in post #21).

:stuart:

What are you doing to the car? Why are the springs coming out?

Can it be done? Of course.
Lifting the car high enough is important, supporting everything, unhook the lower ball joint and lower control arm from the chassis with the entire weight of the car on the spring supported by a jack... or perform all bolt removal with the car sitting on the ground, then lift the car off the lower control arm...

Me? Nope. I'd rather use the compressor...

I want to replace the front and rear springs and shocks. Is it normal for the 300SDL to react to the slightest application of braking?

It nose dives when braking and rocks back and forth when parking brake is engaged, albeit it needs adjustment.