How to remove the front spring with the special tool?

I have a W123 300D 1979

How to know which top spring rubber I need?

I guess 8mm is satisfying?

There were some members that rented out the correct spring compressor.

The front springs on the W123 Diesels are like 5 times stronger then similar springs on an US Car. They type of spring compressor you could get on a free rental from Autozone or even buy there is going to be dangerous to use.

A few people have made substitutes for the stock style spring compressor but the requires some skill and realization of what you are dealing with. There is threads on the spring compressor issues for W123. I would be a good idea to look at them first.

The original spring pads are going to have either a number or little nubs on them or have some sort of painted dots on them to show how thick they are. Can't remember if it is dots or nubs.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I go by 300Dman over at Benzworld. Post #14 are 2 of the different types of spring compressors I made. The one with the hooks has a treaded Rod one inch thick so it won't bend.
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/rent-spring-compressor.1626017/

I fact both I made used the same 1 inch threaded rod.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

In post number 5 of this thread you will see how the typical spring copressers you can buy will bend and become dangerous to use.

Will this style spring compressor work on MB 123

Here is another homemade one:
My inexpensive w123 spring compressor

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Another Homemade one: Homemade Spring Compressor

I think that is it for the homemade ones.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Can original spring pad thickness be determined by VIN or a data card?

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

I don't know but that seems too obscure of an item to be connected to it. Example: I have not read that the Axle Spacer thicknesses can be looked up that way. And, they are a more precision item.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

The EPC has a chart to determine correct spring/pad combination by chassis type and options list. It's way easier to look up there and count the nubs on the edge of the rubber pad.

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Thanks all . I want to lower the front.

I will be using this tool.