On a w126 you can remove/ install the rear shocks without compressing them. I did. The rear springs are the easy ones to change, it's the front ones that will kill you.

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If it ain't broke take it apart and find out why.

1983 300SD, 4 speed
1994 C280
1987 300TD wagon
1996 HD Road King

Ride in Peace Eric Peterson, Harley of Macon

I just removed the Differential out of a 85 380SE at pick N Pull.

some one else had already removed the rear shocks, and the calipers and rotors were already removed. also the car was sitting on one one their stands which is two steel rims welded together ballanced on the spare tire tube.

I disconnected the driveline from the diff., removed both bolts from the center of the hubs, placed a jack under the Diff, removed the 4 nuts that hold the Diff. to the sub frame. also the rear Diff. mount. removed the Diff. cover so I could remove the both "C" clips off the axles. be prepared PNP doesn`t drain the Diff.

In the process of raising and lowering the Diff. to get the axles out, the springs just fell out on the ground.

I didn`t read the above posts yet to see what the experts advised you, but this is how I accidently did it.

Charlie

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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

Once I unbolt the rear shocks from top and bottom on the ground, just jack up the rear of the car and the springs should be detensioned? That would make sense when a tech did my left rear control arm replacement, he just unbolted the D/S rear shock and the spring didn't even snap...

Oh and the 380 is getting lowered as to why I ask.

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"Why operate within the law when you can operate above it?"

MB roster
'85 500SE euro Ratrod
'92 500E's x2 / '94 E500 stored
'91 560SEC w/43K stored
'92 Cabby 16V OE 2.1 AutoX car
JDM RHD cars now.