Geoff,

I used your directions to remove the spring link with no problelm. Below is a photo of link and the coil spring after I wiped them down with simple green, they look quite good. I was going to replace the inner bushing on the spring link but it look and feels like new.

The support joint is another story. I'm not sure it's is the cause of the rear suspension noise, but I'm changing it because it look and feels worn out. See the photo of the supporting joint below, I cleaned it up and you can see what is essentially a ball type joint inside.

I may spring for the MB special tool or I may make one like yours. Did the joint come out easily with the tool you made? And were you able to seat the new joint with no damage to boot?

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