It has taken a couple of months – but the rear suspension rebuild of my 1987/ 300SE is now complete !!!!
Laying on my back using jack stands and making use of all the good advice I found on this forum I first replaced the rear sub frame mounts, Using the threaded rod method. Then came the Sway Bar Bushings as well as the S.B.Links and finally, last Friday came the trailing arm bushings.
The shocks were good and were not replaced.
Because of recent back problems I’ve been having, I held off doing the trailing arm bushings for a while now. It is a more massive job, I had not done “MB Springs” before on my own, and the different opinions of how “easy” or not lowering the rear differential was, kept me in the sidelines.
I am glad I waited. Unexpectedly, I had access to an MB guy I knew with a lift, that was willing to have me as an assistant, student, and supervisor. I had the parts, paid for his time and it was the best deal ever – and most fun.

Now, like every other car owner in the world I have visited the underside of my vehicle while on a lift- when a mechanic wants to explain why the work will cost this or that, but have only visited...This was a first. I was actually there spending time (about four hours) and getting my hands dirty. I now so badly want to own one of these things (ain’t gonna happen). Cheers Larry Bible.
I cannot avoid stating the obvious – It is so much smarter & easier working under a lift than working on your back, with your nose rubbing the chassis…
In any case we lowered the rear end on to a transmission jack, which released the springs, then pulled the trailing arms off and replaced the bushings on a bench. We did not undo the drive shaft, rather wiggled the bolt (the inner bolt on the pass. side) and the trailing arms into position. This was a big time saver that I did not know could be done. I was also happy that I could share “gained knowledge” by insisting that tightening the bolts should be done with the wheels on the car and loaded. This is the correct and only way, I said. Any member on the forum will tell you that...Just ask. Working in tandem with another person carrying heavy parts proved to be more comfortable than I am used to doing at home. Upon reflecting – the obvious again – Since we work on our cars alone, mostly- this forum sure eases the pain of the lonely D.I.Y er.
While there was coffee brake taken I even got a leg on the front end work and replaced the left side tie rod ends - to cure a nagging "steering to the left in very slow speed groan" - that sure sounded like it was coming from the right side. Just goes to show Ya.
As a foot note I might add the old trailing arm bushings did not look too bad. The guy thinks I am throwing money away. - It ain't broke yet, he says. Get a few more years out of them. The difference however in feel and handling is well worth it . SO now we move on to the front...
I have a question about that , but think I will get a new thread going on that.