Let's say I have the time to do this in the Spring, what does it take to freshen up the chassis? I'm looking at the suspension, driveshaft/axle, subframe areas. Is this a reasonable endeavor?

I know I'll need a press, and a couple of other specialty tools. I'm looking to rebuild the front end (steering/suspension), the driveshaft supports, flex discs, rear bearings, replace one hub flange, boots, diff grease/mount, trailing arms, and associated bushings, etc. What else should I be looking at? I don't know the names of all of the parts so a job list or any advice on order of jobs would be awesome. I'm a noob at this but am very willing to put in the effort. My goal is to have a solid chassis to drop an engine into when the time comes.

Thanks!

~Brian

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1981 300SD 310+k - R.I.P. Maeby

I rebuilt my front end this past summer here is my parts list for the rebuild.
Upper control
Control arm bushings
Lower control arm bushings
Lower ball joints
Guide rod mounts
Idler arm
Shock bushings
Wheel seals

Steering damper
Drag link
Tie rod assemblies

You could also put in new shocks and springs if you wanted.

This is a pretty big job, but there are several DIY threads here on doing it. It requires the spring compressor and a C - press to press in the ball joints. You can rent a press from most local parts stores, just make sure you take the ball joint in and can get a collar to fit over it. You'll also want the Factory Manual, it helps a ton. When I did my whole front end, I borrowed a spring compressor from a member here goes by DeliveryValve - Here's info: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/member.php?u=33259, you'll have to grind the access holes at the top to get the tool in the holes.

I haven't done the rear yet, but there is a lot less to replace in the rear. I'll let someone else chim in here.

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For the rear you might need:
Subframe bushing kit http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1981-Mercedes--benz-300sd-Suspension&yearid=1981%40%401981&makeid=63%40%40Mercedes%2DBenz&modelid=6205%3AED%7C10000134%3AMBC%7C1510%40%40300SD&catid=241464%40%40Suspension&subcatid=241470@@Subframe+Bushing+Kit&mode=PD
Trailing arm bushings http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1981-Mercedes--benz-300sd-Suspension&yearid=1981%40%401981&makeid=63%40%40Mercedes%2DBenz&modelid=6205%3AED%7C10000134%3AMBC%7C1510%40%40300SD&catid=241464%40%40Suspension&subcatid=241484@@Trailing+Arm+Bushing&mode=PD
BTW, the press is easier but not an absolute necessity if one is not available. I pressed mine out/in using a length of all-thread, washers,nuts and 3/4 drive sockets.

On the W126 you shouldn't need to enlarge the holes for the spring compressor. I rented one, here on the forum, and it fit through the spring holes just fine.

Another area to check is the differential mount bushings. (for some reason I couldn't find them in Fastlane)

Unless some of the major front-end bushings are soft or worn, I wouldn't change them until needed. The exception is anything requiring a spring compressor (BTW, Use only a compressor for MB's)

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diy-links-parts-category/

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

Looks like a lot of work!

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I replaced all the bushings, springs and shocks in the rear of my '84 300SD 3 weekends ago. It took about 20 hours total over two days. I took pictures and am almost done writing it up, should make a post about it soon. It drives like a whole new car now...

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-Brian

1984 300SD, 375XXX miles, Light Ivory w/ Palomino TEX

Just did my SDL here a few months back... yes, large undertaking to do it all AND to do it properly. Once the spring is out, all the space is available to do most of the rubber. The biggest pain in the ass was the LCA bushing, I will be ordering this tool before I attempt to do another.

I also had to fix some PO problems... leaking washer pumps rusted out my battery tray and the surface below. That set me back a few days. I had some surface rust on the body due to incompetent shops in the past jacking from the wrong spots... that again took a few days to prep, paint, and recoat those areas on the undercarriage.

Rear diff mount is a breeze as are the sway bar end links. The subframe bushings out there (big flat ones) are a pain to do, but REALLY tighten up the handling along with for new springs and some real shocks.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Thanks for all the comprehensive replies! Seems like I'm on the right track. Been through the wiki and articles before, and will go through again before I start. Checking quickly, y'all cover a lot more topics on the subject than I remembered.

brainlair, can't wait to see your post and thanks for the parts list Biodiesel300TD!

Can't wait for some quality time with the benz.

~Brian

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1981 300SD 310+k - R.I.P. Maeby