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  #1  
Old 01-14-2012, 07:08 PM
ivantheterrible
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 48
front suspension novice looking for advice

hi everyone... i am jumping into a project and looking for any advice or suggestions. i got all (at least i believe) the parts and am about to attempt the front suspension rebuild on my 83 300D.
parts i bought:
both upper control arms w/ball joints
lower control arm ball joints (2)
lower control arm bushings (4)
steering stabilizer
tie rod assembly (2)
guide rod repair kit
center link
shocks (2)
idler arm repair kit
wheel seals (2)
and a much needed repair manual!

i didn't get the springs because they look good. is there anything i have forgot before i start taking it all apart? any help would be MUCH appreciated!
thanksabunch!
-Doug

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  #2  
Old 01-14-2012, 07:59 PM
stricht8
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 127
Stabilizer bar bushings that go into upper control arm. 2 per side.
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  #3  
Old 01-14-2012, 09:34 PM
Yak Yak is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 1,711
Pretty much the standard recommendation for any front end work: use the M-B specific spring compressor, not the generic external clamp style.

I tried those, they seemed to work until I tried to put the springs back on, then one slid and I got VERY scared VERY fast. The springs are beefy and require near full compression to remove. Get the right tool for the job, it'll go faster and you'll be safer.

Here's one DIY: PeachPartsWiki: Front End Suspension Rebuild

There are others, I think Funola did a good job with pics on his. Make sure you have the proper torque settings and a good wrench. Take pics of all the joints before disassembly, some reassembly seems counter-intuitive.

I didn't measure the lengths of the parts on mine due to excessive wear, but re-baselined back to OE limits per the FSM prior to the first alignment. You might want to research how to center your steering box and start off fresh with "neutral" settings.

Maybe also add torsion bar bushings to your list; and the "brake support" or "guide rod mount". It attaches to the rear of the wheel-well/firewall area and holds one end of the guide rod. The other end is in the LCA. Pic 15 in the DIY.

Before disassembly, pressure wash under the car and in/around the suspension. Maybe also remove the plastic fender liner and clean out the dirt and crud in there during the repair.
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  #4  
Old 01-15-2012, 08:33 AM
ivantheterrible
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 48
Thanks ALOT for the tips! flyin to nyc for vacation today so i will be sure to order those parts today so they are here when i get back!

where would i get a MB spring press? is that something i could rent or do i need to buy it?

again, thanks for the advice!
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  #5  
Old 01-24-2012, 01:28 PM
ivantheterrible
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 48
help

im back from vacation and all the parts for my front suspension have been delivered... im working on the tie rods/stabilizer/idler/center link now... here is my question, can i just use the pickle fork from the tie rod ends on the center link? im sure this has been answered on some thread at some time but i have looked and looked and looked. my laptop keyboard is so covered in grime that i think it may turn into a garage only device because i doubt i ever will get it clean, my point is, someone please help with a response. i will go get the puller if i need to but i would just as soon use the fork if thats acceptable. any other advice is certainly welcome as well! once in a while i feel like i may have bitten off more than i can chew seeing as how the only other car work i have ever done is oil and brake pads. neverthless, i am determined to personally do as much work on this guy as i can. with that being said, plz car gods shine on me with any advice. will have plenty of pics when im done.

thanks,
doug

-doug
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  #6  
Old 01-24-2012, 04:42 PM
toomany MBZ's Avatar
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: central Va
Posts: 7,820
Yes, just use a pickle fork, you're replacing the ball joints, so you can destroy the ones on there now.
Not sure what wheel seals you mean, if they're for the inner wheel bearing, go ahead and replace/repack the bearings, outers too.
Otherwise, just leave your current ones in place.
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  #7  
Old 01-24-2012, 05:57 PM
ivantheterrible
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Appleton WI
Posts: 48
i got the seals because i saw on a few forums that if i was taking it all apart anyway i may as well do that too. thank you for your help!

-doug
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  #8  
Old 01-25-2012, 08:30 AM
toomany MBZ's Avatar
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: central Va
Posts: 7,820
Not a bad idea, but not necessary.

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