Are there any alternate rear struts for an 85 TD? By that, I mean can the rear struts be replaced with anything other than the hydraulic struts?

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82 240D 302,00
85 300TD 195,000

if you don't want the rear to be level...
you can do a poor man's system and put air lift shocks on, but you will need to constantly adjust the pressure to keep the system level.
John

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

John,

Could you recommend a manufacturer that would be compatible with MB's?
And, do you know where to get them? Thanks.

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82 240D 302,00
85 300TD 195,000

Shockshopusa.com, 740 345-8949, may offer what you want.

Why would you not fix your system correctly????? Your wagon will never ever handle as well, and if you find used parts online or at a salvage yard, it is not that expensive at all.
The rear hydraulic system on these wagons is one of their best features......

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

If you remove the rear hydro suspension, you will have to address removal or disabling the oil pump on the cylinder head. No oil through the pump and it will seize. I tried to go the rounds that you are asking about and I ended up biting the bullett and replacing the shocks and pressure balls. The install was easy and I shopped around and found the parts at a good price. DON't go junk yard stuff unless you POSITIVELY know it is good. You'll just spend your money twice.

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

Air shocks will not work. There is not enough room to install them.