nos5we7del

I have a '81 240D and I need to replace the lower control arm bushings. The ball joints are OK and I replaced the upper control arms fairly recently. My question is: can I replace the lca bushings without taking the whole lca assembly out of the car? It looks like one could disconnect the shock absorber and lower the lca enough to replace the bushings with the lca in place. How can I test the mounts of the struts between the body and the lca? Also what is involved in flaring the tube that goes through the bushings? Any advice that anyone has would be appreciated.Also, several sources I've seen say you need a spring compressor to work on this area safely. A knowledgeable friend says the only time you need a compressor is if the car has mc Pherson struts.