I have 4 plates and 2 threaded rods.

When compressing the spring out from the rear suspension
I position the top plate at the highest possible place and the lower plate at the lowest possible point of the spring. I then hook up the thinner rod on the upper plate. The thicker rod is then threaded to the thinner rod by accessing it thru the hole underneath the lower control arm. My problem is the thicker rods body will not go all the way thru the hole of the lower controll arm(due to the hexagon part -meant for an open spanner tool). Is the tool designed to go thru this lower control arm hole?

with the front suspension the both rods clear the hole- no problem.

Thanks
I have a 1995 E300D
Sorry I have no digital camera.

The tool my mechanic uses is long enough and thin enough to go through the rear lower control arm without interference.

What brand of spring compressor are you using?

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

performance products rental tool for MB