westkill

Good idea...So the system "holds where it is (assuming its not leaking) and you just hit the switch when you need to adjust the height...I like that. I use a Ford relay to activate my glow plugs. Thanks for the tip. I will post any thing I learn about springs too.

Westkill

"a pump from a convertable top mechanism."

A couple questions about your pump set up if you would be so kind 1)Any conflict with running the mineral based fluid required for the MB SLS? 2) Any particular brand , convertable top mechanism pump, MB, Ford, BMW? What criteria did you use when shopping for the pump?

Yours sounds like a much better solution than messing with the springs.

THe pump is from a Chevy Cavalier I think. The pump has 3 wires. Ground and 2 power wires, 1 for each direction. It is a power up and down. You only need power up So pick one wire and note which way pump "pushes" the fluid. On the supply to the pump attach it to your existing SLS fluid tank.. On the hi pressure hose originally on your pump attached to the head, unbolt it at the fitting by the coil spring tower. Measure the hose for new length, bring the hose and pump to a hydraulic shop, they'll put a new end on it to connect to the new pump.. connect it up and your done. I filled the system with tractor hydraulic fluid.
The electrical end is important. These pumps draw ALOT of juice. Use a relay (Ford starter solenoid is best) and wire it directly to the battery. Put a switch in the cab. When you energize the pump it will groan alot until the vehicle hits the height you selected via the arm attached over the rear dif. Once its there, it just recirculates the fluid, just like the factory pump. I never let it run more than 10 seconds at a clip. Pumps the car right up. If it gets too hot, It will shut down on its own till it cools.
I have attached a link to photos of the car. You will notice the pump was moved lower in the car. This was due to Euro Headlight installation interference. Hope this helps. Mike

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/westkill1/album?.dir=e0fe

Mike

Thanks so much...I like that blue, very nice looking wagon. I would imagen she really looks good with the euro lights.

I was talking to a friend today and he suggested using the pumps that power hydraulic trim tabs on fast boats. (many sizes too chose from) Sounds like you didn't worry comparing GPMs for both pumps as that wouldn't be that critical,? goes up slow or fast, wouldnt matter, I spoz... About the "groaning, Do you think a little bigger pump might solve that, probably draw too much more juice? I just happen to have a couple of Ford solenoids lying around too.....Thanks again, I have never driven the wagon but I'm reasonably sure it will be worth replacing our sedan with. I'm now inspired to get going on it :D

Steve,
The reason I liked that pump was its size. Nice and small. In all honesty, I might use it once every 2 weeks and only for a few seconds. Pumps it right back up such as when I have it loaded down with stuff. I try to solve problems the easy way. After I swapped motors I said what other hydraulic pump could I use. I considerd an engine mounted pump driven by belt, similar to a snow plow pump but size was a problem. Also some Benz with gas motors had a dual stage power steering pump IE: front section steering/rear section suspension alot of $$$$ though. This fit the bill.
Thanks for the compliment on the Wagon. I paid $100 for that car with a blown motor-no kidding. ;) Car has 221K on it, motor has 122K. Drives beutiful. Euro lights "made it". Really classed it up. Have to add some new photos.
Enjoy Mike