I need to get a variety of front suspension parts, mostly from the pick 'n pull, and I want to make sure I get the pick of the litter.

I need the strut tube/spindle for both sides - maybe with springs, and the control arm for one side. I need the strut tubes due to rust on one side and a poor helicoil job for a caliper bolt on the other. I want the right control arm too because that side hasn't been the same since being clipped in a hit and run sometime back.

The springs will be pennies at the yard so I just figure I may as well get some that are 5-10 years newer.

Mine is an 83 245dl with about 200k.
I figure that for the less rust-prone strut tubes/mounts I want mid 80's or later.
Was there ever any variation in control arms?
For a spring donor, were there any 240s with a slightly stiffer spring than my 83 dl or should I just get the newest? I know about the diesel and 6cyl stiff springs, and the GT setup with smaller sway bars - did everything else have the same front springs?

thanks
Joe