500sel front springs in a 300sd??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

wols0003 · #1 03-21-2006, 09:12 PM

I've been trying to figure out the best way to lower the front of my 83 300sd an inch to an inch and a half. I've thought about cutting and am now thinking about trying the 500sel-380sel spring. It's a spring designed for the lighter weight gas engines. Has anyone tried this? I'm definately going to do something eventually; the front ride height on 300sd's are just way too high. They came that way from the factory, just look at some of the vintage MB marketing pictures and you can see that the vast empty space above the front wheels was there when they rolled off the assembly lines. I've put a lot of money into rebuilding my car and I love it, but the sight of that empty space above the wheels really does sour me in some way.

Brian Carlton · #2 03-21-2006, 09:27 PM

I'm in complete agreement.

The W126 looks ridiculous with that huge gap over the front tires. The shocks are almost fully extended with very little travel for rebound. I honestly can't understand this whatsoever. The shock effectively prevents the wheel from moving downward more than about 1" below it's stock ride height.

The indy that I know down in Raleigh did cut the front springs for one customer. He removed 1/2 coil, IIRC and the body dropped 1" or so. The customer was very satisfied with this solution.

You can certainly experiment with some shorter or softer springs from the gassers, but, it's just that........an expensive experiment. If they don't do what you wish........can you return them? Sometimes not.

I really see no harm in cutting the spring. The stiffness will increase ever so slightly and the camber will go more negative.......probably required an alignment to return the camber back to spec.

I'm very curious for someone to cut 1/2 coil and post the results of the ride height drop.

............might even lend them the compressor.

greasybenz · #3 03-21-2006, 10:15 PM

do lowering springs made by ebiach work on fixing that problem? i to hate the look of the car with the nose pointed up and the back sagging, i was thinking of getting the springs cut but i dont want to risk messing up the suspension.

Brian Carlton · #4 03-21-2006, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greasybenz

do lowering springs made by ebiach work on fixing that problem? i to hate the look of the car with the nose pointed up and the back sagging, i was thinking of getting the springs cut but i dont want to risk messing up the suspension.

The lowering springs provide just what you want in terms of ride height, but, they are designed for sport and are stiffer. Personally, I simply can't imagine the W126 any stiffer than it is. Cutting the existing spring will also stiffen it........but.........very slightly........probably not noticeable.

The lowering springs are also a bit pricey for all four corners.

greasybenz · #5 03-21-2006, 10:39 PM

true, i dont like stiff i like the fact that i can run over speed bumps and not feel much. But if there is a chance that i wont feel a difference in cutting them then maybe ill do that.

t walgamuth · #6 03-21-2006, 10:42 PM

springs may be progressive so they may not be too harsh.

tom w

Brian Carlton · #7 03-21-2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

springs may be progressive so they may not be too harsh.

tom w

I've heard that.........I would sure like to drive one of them........sensitivity to the road is one of those things that just won't translate over the internet.

Snibble · #8 03-22-2006, 04:46 AM

People rave about the H&R springs... everything I read about them is positive. Perhaps you would consider getting H&R's. Its not a good idea just to get front springs. There's a reason why springs are always sold in a set of 4.

Another solution is getting performance springs, such as AMG, Lorinser or Brabus... but they are hard to find and not cheap.

mplafleur · #9 03-22-2006, 06:45 AM

I also hate the look of the big gap up front and none in the rear. I am looking into fixing the rear problem first. I've got the 14mm coil shims yesterday and will be picking up a new set of springs.

t walgamuth · #10 03-22-2006, 07:01 AM

yet changed springs in a benz. i have a set for lowering a 123 but never put them in yet.

i did put progressive front springs on one of my rough riding suburbans 3/4 tons. the difference was striking. at first it felt a bit too soft but after a while i got used to it and found it a very happy combo. they were progressive, so they were soft on initial compression and got stiffer as they compressed.

personally i would not monkey around with what the factory engineers did for a cosmetic look. the extra height is so that with the extra weight of the diesel engine and big battery doesnt bottom out the front, i think.

now if you have one broken that is a different story.

tom w

andmoon · #11 03-22-2006, 09:29 AM

I remember someone having longer springs made for the rear for close to the cost of stock springs. Maybe you can get some shorter ones made for the front?

I have raised the rear of my sdl and the gaps are close to even front/rear but it does have a slight AWD look to it.

Brian Carlton · #12 03-22-2006, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andmoon

I remember someone having longer springs made for the rear for close to the cost of stock springs. Maybe you can get some shorter ones made for the front?

I have raised the rear of my sdl and the gaps are close to even front/rear but it does have a slight AWD look to it.

I had custom springs made for the rear of the SDL.

I'm sure that the folks at Coil Spring Specialties could make a set for the front. Same spring rate but shorter........provided you tell them what you want.

The '86 has that same problem. High in both the front and the rear. But, even with a load, it never falls below dead level.

Targa-NF · #13 03-22-2006, 10:46 AM

When I was racing my 300SD, I hit a jump a little too fast.

Aften landing, I
could hear the tires touch the wheel wells when I hit big dips. When I stoped
for lunch, I found out I cracked off about 2 coils on both front springs. It droped
her down right were I like.

About 2" from the wheel well. The back was saging
so it leveled it out perfect.
Also I have droped a friends 81 300CD by heating the coil springs. Start from
the top and slowly make your way down, till it is at the hight you want.
Now this is a back yard hack job!!

But it will work. If you remove any of
the spring it will let the tire hit the wheel well over large dips.

Jay
81 300 SD 138 Miles " Black "
81 300 SD 134 Miles " Diamond Blue Metallic "
81 300 SD 237 Miles " Diamond Blue Metallic "
83 300 SD 166 Miles " Cream "

R Leo · #14 03-22-2006, 10:47 AM

Not a 126 but, my wagon was sitting high after swapping the auto for a manual. Additionally, the front spring rate seemed too stiff. For grins, I elected to try using a set of front springs from one of my 240D parts cars before cutting a coil or ordering a set fo new/custom units.

Using the 240 springs worked out fine, lowering the front about 1.5"...plus, spring rates seem better matched front-to-back now.