I replaced the automatic transmission in the 85 300D with a 4 speed manual out of a 83 240D. had a few hurdles to jump over during the project, but now that Iam on the other side, it was a piece of cake.

would I do this one of these swaps again? sure, now that Iam an expert with this vast amount of knowledge I gained.

The problem after removing the auto trans. and installing the manual trans., is there is a weight difference. now the front end sits way too high. looks like the engine has been removed, I mean this is too high. also the rear sits low, was low before. looks like if I went full power, lowered the flaps, this thing would launch and we would be airborn.

With 4 people in the car (women in the rear) cruising along 60 - 65, it feels light in the front, and sort of a floaty feel. front wanders like when there is a rut in the road. with my wife and I, not so bad but still there.

So Iam thinking changing the springs is in order.
240D with manual springs would be too soft, may bottom out. but the only difference is, the 300D just has one more cylinder. not sure what that weight difference is.

240D with automatic. maybe the same as the 300D, but just one less cylinder. would the weight be the same, and I could use these springs?

I have a good suspension under the front end, so that isn`t a problem, and the shocks aren`t that old. the front being high, I think it changes the geometry of the suspension.

I have read this happens with the swaps, but I`ll be danged if I can find anything on it now.

there are 2 nub pads in the rear, could 3 nubs bring it up so I don`t have dragon arse?

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

No problems with mine. No uneven tire wear or bottoming out.

OK, thanks, good to know. I know I do not want to cut off a coil to lower it like some have done, that creates another set of problems.

Do you know if all 240`s used the same springs? manual and auto.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

How many nubs on the front pads?

If you find a copy of the chassis manual ... I think that is where this stuff is....you can find all the different springs... different wire sizes.... as compared to number of coils..
AND the rubber baby buggy bumpers which can be placed to level the car both directions... they are amazingly serious about the number they offer... like if the car has power steering it lists one... without another.... don't give up on the stock things available first... you have a wide range of options...

__________________
1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

I have the chassis manual Greg, and can help him to set it up after the question is answered about the front pads.

Same thing happened to mine after converting to a 4-speed. I Swapped out the original springs for a pair out of a scrap 240 I have. The ride quality and ride height height is perfect.

Here's a link to the write-up I did when I changed the springs:

300TD Ride height after conversion

__________________
Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

Brian, the front pads have one nub.


Charlie

I measured from the ground to the top of the wheel arch,

L/F 28 5/16
R/F 28 1/4
L/R 24 1/4
R/R 24 1/4

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Yep, that leaves you no choice but to make a change to the front springs. I'd take Randy's suggestion since he's done it before.

Furthermore, the rear is sagging a bit. You need a new diff mount or subframe bushings, or thicker rubber pads, or new shocks or a combination of them all to raise the back end up a bit. You're looking for about 25 1/2 or so.

same thing happened to me. I put in a set of vogtlands with 1 nub pads and it leveled out perfectly, now if you really want a thrill to drive car, switch out the rear to a 2.47. tiny bit slow off the line but it sure is nice cruising on the highway turning 2000 RPM's

__________________

1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

Thank you Brian.

I have 344745 miles now, and Iam sure every thing in the rear are original, except for the shocks. the shocks are Bilsteins, not sure comfort or hvy duty.

I was looking at the Differential mount the other day, and it does look cracked and dried out. That is an easy fix, the bushings might be a little more involved.

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Well, at that mileage, you've got some hard decisions to make. To get the car back to proper condition in both the front and the rear is going to cost some serious money in parts.

I'm not sure I'd spend all that money with an engine at that mileage level unless the body was pristine.

The engine is nearly new so putting the funds in would make the effort worthwhile.

Sounds like you have a nice ride there Charlie!

__________________
1974 240D 3.0L 4(M) - 250K -OM617.910 + 300D FW + Rajay turbo power!
1977 6.9 3(A) - 84k

As a matter of fact, I have two 2:47`s in the shop.
I want to see what the milage is with the manual compared to the automatic.
I just got it up and running on the 10th, and the next day drove to Carson City, NV. fueled near Sacramento (LODI FlynJ) and drove over hwy 50, elevation get up to 7700 ft. spent the week there and fueled for the trip back. fuel in Lodi again.
trip over, 27.86 mpg
trip back 31.94 mpg.
now I have the 2:88 Diff. but with the 2:47 not sure how to calibrate the spedo since there isn`t one for the w123.
I wonder if the spedo out of the 81 TD would work since it is electric like the 126. might be able to use the gears from a 126 spedo.
I don`t know since I haven`t seen one.

I think JIMMYL has a 81 OH Jimmy

Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Charlie,

How long was the car up in the air? For some reason, my car when it is up in the air for a few days the front end seems to never come down.
It would take a week or so before it settles down.

__________________
1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System