SDL + 2 people in the back = Sittin LOW - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

redassag00 · #1 09-06-2006, 12:31 AM

I took 3 people to lunch today, and on the way back, driving by a glass building, I noticed with 2 adults in the back (around 400 lbs total) the rear of the car was sittin REALLY LOW.

How can this be alleviated? I noticed the front shocks were replaced with KYBs (ugh) and I can't tell if the rears are original or not.

Not sure if some new shocks would help, or if I sould get new springs like Brian Carlton did.

Anyone? Is that normal?

62bhp · #2 09-06-2006, 12:34 AM

I would think that new shocks would help that, but if your springs are really bad then im not how much it good it would actually do.

mbdoc · #3 09-06-2006, 08:03 AM

Gas filled shocks do VERY little as far as ride height goes....

That car like most MB have spring sag..that is the problem. replacement is the answer.

redassag00 · #4 09-06-2006, 11:10 AM

hey Brian Carlton....
should I get MB Springs or Coil Spring Specialty Springs?

TX76513 · #5 09-06-2006, 11:31 AM

Just replace with OEM springs. All will be good again.

mplafleur · #6 09-06-2006, 11:52 AM

I've been told that the subframe bushings are a main contributor to rear end sag. I've got new springs to put in my SD, but thought I'd get the subframe bushing kit and do it all in one shot.

Don't forget new rubber coil shims to go on top of the coils.

winmutt · #7 09-06-2006, 01:22 PM

Dont suppose you have SLS?

redassag00 · #8 09-06-2006, 02:24 PM

Nope. Conventional Springs and Shocks.

Brian Carlton · #9 09-06-2006, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redassag00

hey Brian Carlton....
should I get MB Springs or Coil Spring Specialty Springs?

Here is the deal:

If you get brand new factory springs, the vehicle will probably sit just about dead level without any load in the trunk or passengers in the vehicle. But, even at "dead level", the vehicle looks low in the rear because the front fenderwells are going to have about 1.5" more clearance above the tire. This is due to the design of the body and you can't avoid the look.

Now, load it up with 800 lb. and it's going to drop at least 2" and it's going to be low in the back. Nothing you can do about it because of the leverage that the load has on the relatively long vehicle.

If you go with taller springs (1.75" higher vehicle height), the back end is too high when lightly loaded..........the wheel well opening in the rear is identical to the front and it's noticeably raked.

With full fuel and about 150 lb. in the trunk, it's still sitting a bit high in the rear.

With two fatsos in the back and 150 lb. in the trunk, it's now slightly low in the back.

Your choice...........depends on where you start..........and where you end up.

Note, however, that my analysis is with brand new subframe bushings and a brand new diff mount. You'll be even lower than the discussion mentioned above if these parts are original.

Don't bother with the rubber pads above the springs. I bought new one's for the SDL on the advice of the forum. The original set was still good for another 10 years as a minimum.