Hello,

I need to install springs into my '68 Mercedes 250/8 (W114) and am having a difficult time tracking down the exact procedure to use.

The factory service manual suggests putting the spring in place (apparently with lower ball joint attached) and jacking up the lower control arm, then fitting the cam bolts through the LCA bushings.

I would prefer to use a spring compressor, but items borrowed from the local FLAPS do not fit the MB's coils.

And so my 2 questions:

1. There is a knock off Klaan spring compressor on Ebay for $200 (JTC-1801) that looks like it would work as long as the telescoping rod fits through the W114's LCA. The hole is only 3 cm however and I fear the rod may be too wide to fit. Has anyone used a Klaan style compressor (if so which manuf.) on a W114 / W115? If anyone has one handy, could you please measure the diameter of the rod at it's widest point?

2. If the Klaan style compressor won't fit, how should I install the spring?

Thanks much!